I had the fortunate opportunity of interviewing the ConocoPhillips Youth Of Distinction Awards 2014 finalist for volunteerism, Sukhneer Kaur. Not only is she a determined and passionate individual but she is also a confident and humble spirit that aspires to make a change in the world we live in. After interviewing Sukhneer, I realized the beauty of being grounded in your principles, and the miracle of karma. She inspired me, and hopefully she will inspire you too!
Without further ado, introducing Sukhneer Kaur:
1) What’s her story?
Sukhneer immigrated to Canada about three years ago from Punjab India, enrolled in Lester B Pearson and later on switched to DC2. Alike to any student transferring to a new school, she was quite shy and very academically focused. Her teachers offered her the amazing opportunity to attend We Day feeling that it would inspire her. Unknowing of what to expect, Sukhneer attended and was amazed by the speakers and left aspiring to do something for society. This was the initial point that occurred in her life that inspired her to get involved and volunteer her time!
2) What were a few memorable moments she had while volunteering, that made her internally feel good?
One of Sukhneer’s feel good moments was while volunteering for the Free the Children water initiative, she had high regards for her experience and said it was amazing because “you are doing something good but for someone else not for yourself.” The second feel good moment Sukhneer has experienced was at a Senior Citizen’s home, where she played games and interacted with the elderly. She believes that the seniors too need attention and somebody to love and care for them, and the satisfaction she got when she left filled her heart with joy.
3) Who is Sukhneer Kaur’s inspiration?
Instantly the first person Sukhneer referred to was her maternal grand father, a politician who was very interested in philanthropy! She described him as a very genuine and pure man, whose goal was to help people in India.
4) Future plans?
Sukhneer aspires to become a nurse and do her RN in the future years. Not only does she want to help people in a hospital but she also wishes to travel to India and put a stop to the increasing rates of domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Being a feminist, Sukhneer wants to educate the women of India and fix the corruption within the system. Punishment and justice is necessary and Sukhneer plans to serve it!
5) As a feminist what is her advice for women?
“Women should be stronger, we shouldn’t think they are weak. Because today’s women are educated, and we should stand up for ourselves.” Education is a great facet to have and Sukhneer especially believes that the of education in India amongst the females is a deficiency. She also believes that the first time she was threatened of assaulted she should gather up the courage to put a stop to that and get justice. Sukhneer believes that if women come together, no force in the world would be able to stop them!
6) A core value or belief she tries to live up to everyday?
“The battle of choosing right over wrong over something dear to me like my family.” She believes that the battle of the truth and what’s right is the correct battle to fight even if it means losing her dearest pleasures. Sukhneer feels as though in both places you will be losing something so why chose right over wrong where you will have a clean conscience.
7) What gives Sukhneer the strength and motivation to fulfill her dreams and aspirations?
“I would say my friends give me strength and keep me going, they were their in my bad times and my good times.”
8) Thoughts regarding technology in our society?
She feels as though at some point technology is taking away the good from our society because prior to the technology era people used to go out and spend time with their families rather than with their phones. She also believes that if their was a limit to usage people would be more driven to do other things with their lives like volunteer and give back to society.
9) Advice to youth upon volunteering?
“I think we should give time to others too from our lives, we all have busy lives but even if its once a month for one hour and we do something for someone else that would be great.”
10) A quote or phrase she lives by?
Truly live everyday of your life, and believe in the magic of karma. If you do good deeds, good will happen to you, if you do bad deeds, don’t expect flowers and roses.
