Youth of YYC: Christine, 16

“To me, belonging is when one can comfortably and fully express their unique self without being judged. It’s about not having to worry if you’re ‘good enough’ to be with someone or a group of people. Belonging shouldn’t ask for change, but rather encourage a person to be who they are. You shouldn’t have to…

Youth of YYC: Andy, 17

“I believe good mental health is a key thing that allows people to be successful. Currently, there has been many discrepancies on how mental health should be handled. We have fairly good organizations and programs that can help people get through their adversities and help them manage their mental and emotional health, but there isn’t…

A look at history’s youngest Oscar winners

This past weekend the victor of the Best Actor category, Eddie Redmayne, age 33, was one of the younger actors to prevail throughout Oscar history and be recognized for their art and talent. Young actors and actresses continue to prove that immense depth of emotion portrayed can be reached at any age. To celebrate the youthful heart…

Youth of YYC: Anonymous, 15

“So many people in my life have struggled with mental illness and the stigma around it has held them back from being able to properly address their mental health. I wish that this wasn’t something that is so hard to talk about, but the fact is that it’s a real, significant issue. We can’t just sweep this…

Nominate an awesome youth!

It’s that time of year again! Do you know an awesome youth who you think deserves to be recognized? Here’s your chance! The nomination deadline for the 2015 Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) is on March 2. What are the Youth of Distinction Awards? The awards are non-academic and recognize deserving youth 12-18 of age for…

Youth of YYC: Mikaela, 17

“It definitely isn’t the easiest thing to talk about. There is so much stigma regarding mental health (especially since mental illness isn’t always visible), which prevents many individuals from reaching out and getting the support that they need. My advice to anyone struggling is to find someone you trust and start talking about it. Ask…

The New Conservatory: A Youth’s Perspective

The Mount Royal University Conservatory’s long awaited Bella Concert Hall and new facilities opened its doors to the public for the first time last Saturday in a lively open house that featured performances by members of their various choir programs, the Calgary Youth Orchestra, chamber groups from the Advanced Performance Program, and much more. Among the…

Photo Tour: Mount Royal’s new Conservatory

The public eye has finally seen the inside of Mount Royal’s new Conservatory, as well as the beautiful Bella Concert Hall after 3 years of construction! While the building is still a work in progress, the open house on January 24th offered a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-glamorous musical palace.   Notably, the area went from this……