Kandace Peroramas is the News & Social Media Junior Editor for Youth Are Awesome. Aware of the impact youth like herself can have on the community, she joined this Youth Central program to showcase and advocate for her love of writing, reading, family, friends, music, and travelling. She also believes the world is constantly changing, so staying informed keeps her sane! As an I.B. student, Kandace values balancing her education and passions, so she enjoys spending her time volunteering or scooping at Village Ice Cream. In the fall, she will be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Science with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. All in all, Kandace hopes that through her writing, readers can connect with her in a personal way.

NYFW Fashion Edit: Calvin Klein SS16

{Source} For the last installment of YAA’s NYFW Fashion Edit, I present to you a brand that has taken 2015 by storm. The definition of fashion and what we perceive as trendy has changed over the years, but Calvin Klein is always keeping up with the times. With celebrity endorsements from David Beckham, Justin Bieber, and Kendall…

Blogger of the Month, September 2015: Katja Lemermeyer

Katja is a force to be reckoned with as September’s Blogger of the Month! Part I.B. student, part volunteer (she is on the YVC International Youth Advisory Board), and part photographer, her involvement in extracurricular activities are a true testament to the spectrum of topics Katja has covered on Youth Are Awesome. She was happy to sit down and chat…

2015 VMA Performances: Hits & Misses

{Source} There was no rhyme or reason behind what went down during last Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards. From host Miley’s bizarre costume changes to Kanye West’s presidency announcement, something both unexpected and unforgettable happened every minute. But all attempts to garner views aside, let’s focus on what this award show was really about: the music.…

PostSecret – Confessions from an International Community

Warning: there is graphic language in this post which may be triggering to some readers. “You are invited to anonymously contribute a secret to a group art project. Your secret can be regret, fear, betrayal, desire, confession, or childhood humiliation. Reveal anything – as long as it is true and you have never shared it…

President Obama’s Uplifting Speech to Kenyan Youth

{Source} Late last month, President Barack Obama visited Nairobi as part of his historic trip to Africa. His family’s longstanding ties to Kenya brought cheers upon the 4,500 students, government officials, and civil society leaders who gathered at Safaricom Indoor Arena. Part state address, part commencement speech, Obama’s 40-minute talk started with a personal reminiscence of…

Video of the Day: Harry Baker – Slam Poetry Champion

Witty poet, Harry Baker, makes his TED Talk debut in Exeter, Devon, England. After winning the 2012 Poetry Slam World Cup in Paris, he has gone on to perform at slam poetry events around the U.K. and internationally. I discovered Harry during my daily routine of watching TED Talks, and was already laughing 30 seconds in. I enjoy…

What to see in YYC: Weekend Preview July 31 – August 2, 2015

{Source} Forecast: {Source} Looking for ways to ring in the new month? Here are 15 events to add to your weekend festivities: FRIDAY ONLY 1. Smoke’s Poutinerie Eating Tour {Source} What: Smoke’s Poutinerie World Famous Great Canadian Cross-Country Plaid Gravy Train Fries Curd and Gravy Weird Wild and Wacky Poutine Eating Tour 2015 stops in Calgary on July 31. Stop…

Calgary Stampede Food Binge 2015: Glazed Donut Grilled Cheese

{Source} On Tuesday, I was happy to spend 9 fun-filled hours at the Stampede grounds, going on rides and eating the classics we love. But if you need more than mini donuts to satisfy your Midway cravings, why not try something new? Making my way to Melt Town Grilled Cheese and Poutine near the Agriculture…

#LoveWins – Marriage Equality in the U.S.

{Source} It has been an outstanding year so far for the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) community! With the likes of YouTube beauty guru, Ingrid Nilsen, coming out and former Olympian, Bruce Jenner, transitioning to Caitlyn Jenner, who knows what’s coming next? But if the colors of the rainbow on your social media feeds are any indicator,…