We Day 2015

When I arrived at my school at 7 am this morning to catch the bus for We Day, an annual event in YYC that celebrates and inspires youth innovation, I was greeted with a hostility that made me wonder whether I had coffee breath, or someone had used my student ID photo on a poster for gonorrhoea. It…

Altitude: An Original Poem

This poem was inspired by the desire to just write something after quite a long break from poetry. The process of applying for university can be overwhelming with everyone trying to offer their advice, wanted or unwanted. It is important to have a way to sometimes break free and that’s what this poem is about.…

All about Junior Achievement

Women can vote.  It’s okay for guys to wear pink.  All races are considered equal and worthy of living fulfilling lives.  The overwhelming barriers that used to divide humanity have seemingly been demolished, and along with them racism, sexism, and discrimination. You may think that our world no longer suffers the burden of these cruelties,…

Ways to Get Involved in Science and Tech this School Year

Happy back to school everybody!  You knew it was coming, and now it’s finally here.  Trust me, as a student at Sir Winston Churchill entering Grade 11, I’m completely aware that back-to-school is not always something to anticipate.  Back to school brings homework, studying, and having to wake up early. I had my fair share of that…

Advocacy 101: Influential Writing

I never really knew why we were taught how to write business letters in junior high until I attended a webinar designed to increase advocacy to encourage governments to prioritize ending poverty by 2030. Seem crazy? Well I assure you it is more than possible if we meet the goals we have previously set. Unfortunately…

Youth of YYC: Lindsay, 16

“I’ve volunteered halfway across the world and in my community with multiple organizations. I’ve worked with people aged 3-90, from the handicapped to the homeless. But despite all the differences, volunteering is always the same: the coming together of individuals from all walks of life to improve the world around them.” Lindsay, 16

Youth of YYC: Alyssa, 16

“One time I was volunteering as a host for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing dinner and I was learning a few basic handshapes from the coordinator. At one point I didn’t do one of the shapes properly and so instead of welcoming my family I technically told them I was pregnant.” Alyssa, 16