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All about Junior Achievement

Danielle Leong
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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, but in their place, new obstacles have arisen. That’s right – while the issues of our past have been diminished, brand new barriers have subtly yet prominently formed. Stigmas such as, well,  teenagers are inseparable from technology and you can’t be doing work and having fun at the same time.

Now let’s backtrack a bit there – yes, a barrier between fun and work is now affecting us all. I’m sure none of us are overly thrilled to be back at school, because on what scale does school compare to summer? School and work in general has become so overly-stereotyped that a wall has formed, banning all positive thoughts from being related to it.

 

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You read the title of this article, so you’re probably wondering where I’m going with this rambling about barriers and walls and human rights and whatnot. Well my friends, I am proud to present to you the boulder that breaks the wall between fun and work – Junior Achievement.

JA

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What is Junior Achievement?

(Besides the best business program you could ever join, of course.)

Junior Achievement is an impressive program in which passionate Youth combine a number of life skills and work together as a team to create a successful business simulation.  This program is free, of course. For 18 weeks, youth from all over the city are given the privilege to experience all the stages of having a business.  Yes, including gaining the profits.  This year, in JASA (Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta) , there will be 23 teams, each with 20-25 members.  Each person is given a unique and important role in the company, and everyone is essential in creating a successful company.  If you’re feeling ambitious, run for president.  Or,  if you simply want to experience this unforgettable program, go for attendance taker!  The meetings happen once a week, and you can choose which day and which venue you would like to attend.

 

Why should you join Junior Achievement?

I don’t know about you, but at my school, people are constantly talking about what clubs they’re part of. And I’m not going to lie, I can see how it gets a little tiresome.  We all know the “popular” clubs: debate, green club, leadership, and so on.  But sometimes, you just don’t feel like those are for you.  And that is why we should all be thankful that Junior Achievement was founded in 1919. The thing is, if you’re even remotely interested in anything related to Business, this program offers it.  If you’re interested in accounting, innovating, dealing with the problems of society, or leading, JASA has something for you. You could almost think of this program as your next step to success.  Along with playing to your talents, Junior Achievement is one of the most effective ways to get to know not only other people, but your youth community here in Calgary.  I guarantee you that by the end of the program, you will have at least 20 new friends.  On top of that, the Company Program offers so much that I couldn’t sum it up in a paragraph or it would’ve gone on for quite a while, so check out this list!

 

Student Benefits:

  • Earn high school credits
  • Put on your resume
  • Participate in events during the program
  • Get to know people your age from all over Calgary
  • Develop key employability skills
  • Gain Leadership skills
  • Work with mentors from the business community
  • Improve Communication skills
  • Build self esteem and confidence
  • Win up to $40k in local and national scholarships

 

My personal experience with Junior Achievement:

I’m not sharing this program with you just from a glance at the website– I myself actually had the chance to participate in the company program in my grade 1o year of high school , and I’m pleased to be participating in it once again in grade 11.

Back in the day when I was in grade 10, I had no idea what to expect of my first year in high school.  My school is filled to the top with over achievers, and it made me a little stressed out that I didn’t have anything impressive to put on my resumes and applications.  So you can imagine I was pretty interested when I heard of this “Junior Achievement” – even the name of it sounds pretty impressive. However,  I wasn’t completely sure if I wanted to join- you see, I’m kind of a shy person, so I didn’t know how it would work out for me. Thinking back, I now realize that joining Venue 3 on Tuesdays nights in JGDHS for Junior Achievement is a large part of what made grade 10 my favorite school year.  Ironically, I signed up for the Diefenbaker venue to meet new people.  It turned out that everyone else who signed up for my night was actually from my school, but we were all participating in Diefenbaker..  However, despite that coincidence, I now have 24 new and solid friendships, all formed over the bond of our company- Infinity (we made Infinity scarves, so that’s where the name came from).

 

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Our Company Logo

 

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Our Company Product

 

I will say that the Company program has work, but as I mentioned in the beginning of this article I was never more excited to go to my “job.”  The people were amazing, our product earned a lot of money, and the overall experience is something that will last me for a very long time.  Although every moment and meeting of my Company Program experience was a lot of fun, my favorite part would have to be the Celebration of Achievement.  This Celebration, in one word, is a spectacle.  You and your team get the unique chance to listen to Successful entrepreneurs speak, appreciate both your hard work and what JASA stands for, and eat delicious food!  Here’s a photo of some friends and myself from the COA.

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This was taken at the photobooth at the Celebration Of Achievement 2015!

 

If you think that you have what it takes,  here’s how  to sign up:

 Visit www.jasacompanyprogram.com

 Click the “Students” link at the top of the page

 Click the “Sign Up” link on the left sidebar

 Check out the map with the time and location of each team and decide which one you want to be a part of

 Fill in the registration form, including name, grade, school and your chosen team

 

Also, don’t forget to Check out JASA Company program on Twitter and Facebook!

See you in the company program – hurry, a lot of venues are already full.

Video Of The Day: For Teenage Girls

Emily Donville
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For years I searched for an outlet to really express myself in a way that made me happy but no matter how hard I looked, I couldn’t seem to do it. I’d attempt to paint or draw, but I’d end up more frustrated than anything because it never came out the way I envisioned. I never liked sports so that wasn’t an option, and I was a very introverted kid. Trying to make me talk about my problems was easier said than done and I was stuck in this state where I couldn’t get my feelings out in a fun, healthy way and it was frustrating.

 

Then one day, smack dab in the middle of term 1 in 9th grade, I found it. Local poet Sheri-D Wilson was invited to work with everyone in grade 9 at my school and I strongly believe this was a turning point in my life. I’d been interested in poetry in 8th grade but I was never serious about it, but then I started writing in grade 9, drawing inspiration from my own life and individuals around me and I couldn’t have been happier. Months later, I was on YouTube watching poetry performances and I came across “For Teenage Girls” by Clementine von Radics, and I fell in love. I’m an overzealous person. I can talk about things for days and think about things that’ll continue to excite me days later and every time I watch this video, it’s like the first time all over again. The feelings I get from this performance are like no other. It inspired me to write my own piece for my grade 9 graduation and perform it with two of my friends and it still inspires me to write to this day. I constantly tell people if it weren’t for poetry, I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now, and this is where it all started. While her performance of the poem is different from the one in her book, “Mouthful of Forevers“, it’s still just as inspiring. I hope you watch this and feel just as inspired as I do when I watch it.

Follow Clementine on Tumblr, Instagram and like her on Facebook!

My 2015 Back to School Survival Guide

Katja
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As the summer winds down and the most exciting parts of school (donning your best outfits, finally seeing all your friends again!) start to lure us in, one dark cloud hangs over it all—the stress and anxiety that seem to be an inevitable part of the high school experience. Gone are the luxurious days of sleeping in until noon, and I’ll admit, my looming IB deadlines and early-morning band rehearsals are making that sacrifice look even less appealing. However, there is a lot that can be done to make your school day more manageable, and I thought I’d share some of my top tips!

Tip #1: Always have your essentials with you

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School is already a stressful place, and when you have long, busy days, the last thing you want hindering you is an empty stomach, cramps, or a headache. I’m a huge believer in keeping a box of granola bars in the locker, and I know most people keep a few Tylenol in their bag, but having just a few extra items can keep you feeling really on top of things. 

I keep a little blue bag filled with anything I might need throughout the day and I can’t tell you how many times it’s come to the rescue. I’ve supplied so many classmates with everything from band-aids to lotion to tea. Pick a pocket in your bag and dedicate it to your most-needed items— you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Tip #2: Avoid decision fatigue

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Yes, decision fatigue is a real problem that leaves most of us burned out by the end of the day. School is already an overstimulating environment, so anything you do to limit the amount of decisions you have to make early in the morning will help you stay sharper throughout the day. 

I try to plan out my week’s lunches and breakfasts on the weekend, but that can be really hard to keep up. To make this easier, I write a list of my go-to meals and keep it on hand to quickly make a plan for what I’ll be eating each day. You can also keep this list in the kitchen so when the plan goes out the window and you’re packing a school lunch late at night or frantically making breakfast in the morning, a quick glance will remind you of your options.

Tip #3: Find an organization system that works for YOU

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Don’t worry, I’m not about to give you the “use an agenda” lecture. If that is what works for you, great! However, if what keeps you busiest are events that recur each week (regular dance classes, club meetings, etc), it might not be the most effective to write that into your agenda month after month. For some alternatives, check out the bullet journal method, try using your phone calendar, or use one of these handy apps. At the end of the day, it’s about finding a way to keep on top of things that is suited to your life and habits.

I like the Moleskine agenda because it provides a place for me to write down all of my commitments and keep a running to-do list for the week. To supplement that, I always have the app Clear ready to go on my phone for when I think of something I need to do when I’m out and about, and I use sticky notes as miscellaneous reminders scattered around my desk and binder.

Above all, school is place that you come to learn, but it’s important for you to make that experience as easy and enjoyable as possible! These my strategies for an organised + productive school year, but feel free to share some of your own back to school tips using the hashtag #BTSwithYAA

All pictures used are my own

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Blogger of the Month, September 2015: Katja Lemermeyer

Kandace Peroramas
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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 with me about her writing endeavors, school, dreams, values, and plans for the future over frozen yogurt. Although a water fountain and the smashing of piano keys served as our background noise, her bright personality did not waver.

“Hey there! My name is Katja and I’m thrilled to be a member of the YAA team. I’m a synesthete, vegetarian, and IB student with a passion for writing and empowering the youth voice. When I’m not blogging, I can be found volunteering, exploring Calgary, playing bass clarinet, baking, and spending time with my little brother.”

For starters, I referred to Katja’s blogger bio and asked why she identified as a synesthete and vegetarian. Sharing with others that she has synesthesia helps start conversations, while being a vegetarian reflects her values. The unique take on her bio showcases well her personality and how she perceives the world. As our interview got going, I was quick to realize the wonderful insight Katja had on my questions. Read below to see how thoughtful and aware Katja is of herself and her surroundings:

2. Not only are you involved with YAA, but with The Young Wanderer and Parallel Magazine. What is it about these outlets that inspire you to write for them?

»» “Youth Are Awesome is something I like to contribute to as much as possible and is for a wide variety of blog posts. But it definitely is a short format and maybe picture-heavy. With these other websites, the type of thing that you would submit or read is a little bit different in terms of the structure. It’s often longer, more text-based, and cover issues [with The Young Wanderer] that are often current issues related to politics and Alberta. With Parallel Magazine, they’re often contrasting fiction and reality, and looking at parallels between that. These are just more niche areas to write in and often allows me to go further with the topic than I might on YAA.”

3. From Food & Health to News blogs, you’ve covered a wide range of topics on YAA. How do you choose what to write next?

»» “Oh, man. So on my phone, in the Notes app, I have a note that I’m always adding to for ideas for posts. I’ll be out at the most random times and be like, ‘This is a great idea’ or ‘Maybe I could explore this.’ I’ll see something in the media or in my life that I think about how I could share a perspective that would make it different. With the food blogs, I love to bake, so I’m like, ‘Hey, I could share this on Youth Are Awesome; maybe people would enjoy it.’ With current issues, if there is something I feel I’m seeing a lot but I’m not really understanding, what I wanna do is try and gain an understanding and see how I can convey that in a way that’s more concise and straightforward for a youth audience.”

 

4. With the school year just around the corner, what do you hope to accomplish that will be different from previous years?

»» “I think grade 10 was a lot about finding out who I am as a person and finding out what my role is within the school community. Trying out different clubs, trying out I.B., things like that. With grade 11, I feel I have a better sense of direction and would like to take what I’m involved in and do it to the best of my ability. With Leadership and volunteering, now being in grade 11, I have a bit more of a role as a leader in the school. This year’s my chance to take it to the next level.”

As a grade 11 student, Katja will continue on with the I.B. program and says that she enjoys being with like-minded, passionate people.

5. To continue with the topic of school, does blogging and reading posts published on YAA influence how you take on the I.B. program?

»» “I think reading Youth Are Awesome reminds me of when you come across something in your studies or online that really interests you. You should just go for it, find more about it, and share it with other people. That’s the most impactful part of education and about learning new things. I also would say that some of the advice shared on Youth Are Awesome is pretty helpful because it comes from people that are also in Calgary, go to the same school as me or are the same grade as me. That’s a lot of experience and wisdom you won’t just get from reading classic Buzzfeed, so coming from peers and trustworthy writers is something very valuable.”

Katja mentions that both I.B. and Youth Are Awesome help her with time management. She likes to keep a journal so she has “a grasp of what to do, where your energy should be spent, and remembering why you’re involved in the things you’re involved in.”

6. You are an avid volunteer around the city. Are there organizations/issues/events you volunteer for that have a special place in your heart?

»» “Yes. I would say serving lunch at The Salvation Army or being at the Drop-In Centre are some of my favorite projects to do because you can immediately see how much you’re helping people. I feel I have such a place of privilege that I have time to volunteer for people and that we have an organization set up that makes that so easy for me. To be able to give my time to help people that are less fortunate than me is really impactful. Every day that I’m there and serving food, you pass the food over to them and immediately see that it’s making them happy. I find that really rewarding.”

 

7. Do you have dreams or aspirations you see being accomplished through YAA?

»» “I think for me, getting a better sense of what it’s like to live in Calgary has already happened so much through YAA. It’s made me more aware of events happening in the city and ways to get involved that enrich your experience as a Calgarian. This has taught me how I can definitely accomplish this in other places I might live in the future. But while I’m still here in Calgary, I would like to continue to do that and share it with others. When you first start to gain independence, it’s still daunting to look at all the stuff that’s happening around the city and think about, ‘What am I interested in doing?’ or ‘Is that something that’s accessible to youth?’ To be able to share with other people these opportunities and have a voice in that way is nice.”

Katja’s many opportunities to travel inspired her journey to dive further into Calgarian culture. “Sure it’s awesome to travel, even just across Canada, but to be reminded of what we already have that’s close to home…it’s really rewarding,” she states.

Our BOTM also gave some thought about her career plans. She tells me about wanting to go into International Development and Sustainability or something that incorporates both social and life sciences.

8. Think about the blogs you’ve written, and tell me about the one that resonates with you most. What was the process like writing that blog?

»» “I wrote a post earlier this year about diversity in Young Adult fiction, and I felt that was an issue that is close to home for me. So many of my friends are people of color, and I’m surrounded by that because I go to a school [Western Canada High School] that’s a vibrant, diverse community. But to see that that’s not reflected in the media is something that is really frustrating. I think as a white person, it would be easy for me to ignore that or to not feel like it affects me directly, but it’s something that I think is important that we talk about, change, and bring attention to so that it won’t just stay this way.”

9. What is a quote you’d like to share with our readers that reflects your values?

»» “This is something really short, sweet, and straightforward. I came across it while reading We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, and just simply, “Be a little kinder than you have to.” I think that’s something that can be implemented in every interaction you have and day-to-day life. It’s a good reminder for sure.”

To wrap things up, I challenged Katja to answer 16 lightning round questions in 30 seconds. She answered all the questions, but 2 minutes and 36 seconds is close enough, right?

  1. Favorite word? Crease.
  2. Tea of preference? Coconut Ice by DAVIDsTEA.
  3. Favorite time of day? Early morning.
  4. Odd or even numbers? Even.
  5. Favorite female fictional character? Hermione Granger.
  6. Someone you’d like to see in concert? Hozier.
  7. Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram? Twitter.
  8. Guilty pleasure? Sorbet.

Note: the 30 seconds stopped here, but we kept going!

  1. Favorite song at the moment? Loud Pipes by Ratatat.
  2. If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Invisibility.
  3. Most memorable trip? Denmark.
  4. Describe your blog posts in 3 words. Diverse, probably-too-long, and photo-rich.
  5. Favorite smell? After it rains.
  6. Social issues you advocate for? Women’s rights and LGBTQ rights.
  7. Recall a life-changing experience. First time travelling without my family to Quebec.
  8. Advice to youth in 10 words or less. Be open-minded and spread positivity!

A huge thank you to Katja for a lovely interview! Her eloquence and intelligence in answering my questions was unbelievable, and I am delighted to have gotten to know her this way. I look forward to conducting more interviews as a Junior Editor.

» To read posts from our Blogger of the Month, click here.

» Follow Katja on Twitter to stay updated.

*All pictures are mine unless stated otherwise.*

Best wishes,

Kandace  🙂

5 Stylishly Affordable Backpack Brands for the Year

Didi Moffat
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It’s not a secret: school is starting soon. One of the things we have to do is go school shopping. For some people it’s fun, for others like me, it’s a reminder of the stressful school year to come. However, it has to be done. Going through the year, one of the most important things is the backpack you have. Here are a few backpacks I saw that caught my attention, and hopefully they spark some ideas for you.43

Herschel

This brand of backpacks is widely known for its cotton-poly material. It has just the right space for all materials you could need for school, including a laptop. The best thing about Herschel backpacks is that there are so many to choose from. You’re never limited or have to worry about buying the perfect backpack that about ten other people will have.

 

Jansport

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Chances are, everyone has had this backpack brand at least once in their life. It’s most known for its standard suede leather bottom. It has been around forever and continues to maintain an enviable style.

 

Everlane  

 

An ethical company with well priced backpacks. This brand’s backpacks are completely made out of cotton with fashionable leather finishes.

 

Penfield

This brand’s backpacks are made up of a tough nylon material, strong enough to withstand the pressures of Calgary’s mostly winter weather. However, it’s not just built for the tough weather, it’s just as stylish as it is strong.

 

Patagonia

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This brand’s tough backpack also gives the added benefit of being lightweight. It is completely made up of recycled polyester and it is the best way to display to everyone that you’re stylishly environmentally conscious.

Good luck getting your backpack for the year and Good luck with the start of the school year 🙂

Introducing Canadian Music [September]

Hellen Kang
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Happy September YYC! The beginning of a school year means a new start, so I thought it was appropriate to introduce new (and old) Canadian bands to add to your playlist. I was recently contacted by a band from Edmonton and I immediately fell in love with their music. This made me realize how shielded we are from artists and musicians that do not receive much publicity. There is so much talent in the music industry that is not celebrated or emphasized enough.

Hence the start of ‘Introducing Canadian Music‘, a new YAA series that will post monthly about unique Canadian artists and bands.9

1. Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nothing Gold Can Stay is a pop punk band from Edmonton. In June 2015, they released their first EP titled ‘Familiar Faces’ which contained six original songs. Their music has a vague alternative feel that’s integrated into the heavier punk sound. The highlight of their music, and what I find most enjoyable (and exciting in a way), is the equal emphasis on both vocals and instrumentals. Check out their EP here (my personal favourite is Familiar Faces)!

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2. The Dudes

The Dudes is a 90s indie rock band from Calgary. Their music is extremely catchy and shows their light-hearted and fun spirit. I was instantly addicted to their music and wanted to dance to it (cliché, but true).  The Youtube video below is one of my favourites but you can listen to more of their music here!

3. The Zolas

If you’re looking for some calm yet funky music, check out The Zolas, an indie rock band from Vancouver. The aspect of their music that I love the most is their genius lyrics. Their songs are simultaneously nostalgic and sweet, which is intriguing and makes it all the more relatable. You can listen to more of their music here!

BONUS: If you want to jam out to this band live, make sure to check them out at X-Fest on September 5th and 6th!

Stay tuned for the October edition of ‘Introducing Canadian Music’!

Friendship Obligations You Should Not Have

Sarah Nolin
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You may know the lyrics “We met for a reason, either you’re a blessing, or a lesson.” That may be a piece of advice to hold onto for the rest of your life.

As a teenager, friendships come and go and not all are meant to last. Some friendships you experience burn bright, fast and end quick but their importance does not waver. Other friendships will last the storms and may not be your top priority. I have always had the trouble of knowing and understanding the importance of each friendship. Not every person you meet will be your BFF. This is crucial information, you will click with some people, others might be harder to get to know. Just because you consider someone to be one of your closest friends does not mean you have to be at their beck and call. I have come to the conclusion that some of the relationships I have had were one sided. It was not my job to impress them, care for them and always put myself on the line for them. After realizing that what I thought I was obligated to do was in fact not my responsibility, I had to cut loose some of the people I was holding onto.

 

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Four things you are not obligated to do out of friendship:

  1. If you have a job and they do not then you are not obligated to pay for food if they ask. If someone you know is attempting to guilt-trip you into spending money on them then take a stand for yourself.
  2. You do not have to start communication with them in every circumstance. Chances are, if you are important to someone they will reach out to you. Stop taking the excuse that they don’t ‘text first or call people’. You are a person and should be treated with respect, this includes equal communication between friends. Don’t feel pressured into carrying the weight that they are ignoring.
  3. Never feel obligated to drop your commitments if they are not willing to do the same. I have had friends in the past that expected me to call into work sick when they were free, but when I asked them to do the same they would scold me. Double standards and hypocritical judgement should not be accepted by you or anyone else.
  4. Under no circumstances should you apologize if you have done nothing wrong. In the past, my number one used word might as well have been sorry. I have learned that true friends will understand if they have done wrong and now I know that the word means nothing unless they truly deserve to hear it. It is not about swallowing your pride, it is about understanding if they have served the course they were meant to take in your life.

Try not to force a friendship between someone and yourself. It will be uncomfortable for the both of you and you may never overcome the differences you face. It is not necessarily the end of the friendship but maybe the end of the chapter for you both.

x0, Sarah

Back To School 2015 Lookbook

Emily Donville
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Back To School 2015 Lookbook

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During summer, it often seems like you’re stuck in a period of endless nights where you can do whatever and sleep in till whenever with next to no obligations. Then, September rolls around and you can’t lounge on the couch all day in your pyjamas binge-watching Freaks & Geeks. It’s back to school time. And while some may be happy about seeing their friends everyday again or seeing their favourite teachers, the stress of trying to be stylish and not show up in sweatpants everyday can be challenging if you add in the homework and activities you’ll be doing. But don’t worry – Malika, Didi and Talia are here to the rescue with some back to school outfit ideas that will provide serious outfit inspiration.

 

Malika

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Malika is sporting a black dress with lace trip underneath a blue denim jean jacket. Dresses are super comfy to wear to school and make you look very put together when you’re not willing to put up with the struggle of pulling on your jeans. When it gets colder, you can easily wear a pair of tights underneath with some socks over top. It may sound outrageous but the layering ensures your toes are kept toasty warm when it’s chilly. Another lovely feature of the dress is you can accessorize with nearly anything. Malika chose simple rings and a cute pair of shades. Calgary can be quite sunny so sunglasses are essential when you’re going to and from school.

Didi

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Didi is wearing a simple monochromatic look. The black leggings and flats are simple while the white top captures all the attention. This is definitely perfect for those days where it’s not too hot but not to cold and perfect for Calgary because as you know, the weather tends to change it’s mind often. Leggings are comfortable year around and her top is nice and flowy and not too constricting. The slit in the sleeves is simple yet cute and you can easily throw on a sweater on top if you get cold. Didi also paired the outfit with a black and white handbag which is perfect for carrying around all your school essentials.

 

Talia

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Talia looks comfy and chic in this simple outfit. She’s wearing blue jeans, boots (perfect for autumn!), a blue top and a grey sweater with cute accessories. Jeans are definitely a staple item in anyone’s closet. They’re comfy and go with anything so pairing them with a simple top and cozy cardigan leaves you looking stylish and comfy without the sweatpants. As well, Talia is sporting some TARDIS earrings and I’ve found from experience, sometimes when you sport apparel that represents your favourite fandom, lots of friendships will form. So don’t be afraid of bringing your inner Fangirl/Fanboy out! And lastly, she is sporting some cute combat boots which are perfect for autumn and look good with everything. You won’t have to worry about avoiding puddles when you’re wearing these.

 

With these outfits, I hope they served as some inspiration for you this year! Wishing you all the best during this 2015/2016 school year and don’t forget to check out Hui Wen’s back to school lookbook as well!

 

Photos taken by yours truly.

Wrong Timing

Tammy Ma
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My umbrella drops into a puddle of mucky rain water as I stand in the middle of a crosswalk. The loud and strong rainstorm takes over the clear sky. Rain falls on and around me. My once super perfect hair becomes frizzy as the wind whips it around. My once new white dress is now painted with water and outlined in mud.

Five minutes ago, it was sunny. Sweat was the only source of water to be found. It seemed like a promising day. However, I had a gut instinct that it may rain later on in the day, hence why I brought an umbrella.  As I was crossing the street, my cell phone rang. I looked at the screen and saw my best friend’s mom’s number. My smile dropped from my face, fell to the ground and shattered into a million unfixable pieces. At that time and moment, the weather had a bi-polar moment, sheets of rain came crashing into my atmosphere. The sun decided to play hide-and-seek; it was no where to be found. Thunder boomed. The sky turned into a dark and evil masterpiece. Not a single strip of sunshine existed anymore.

I have been trying to be strong, to not cry, but I can’t help it this time. So, as I stand there in the middle of the crosswalk, I allow the storm to beat me up. I allow it to create an angry and sad scenery as I play as the miserable character. The wind slaps me, the water drowns me, and the darkness possess me. I cry.

I look up at the dull and unhappy hospital in front of me and ask, “why couldn’t you have waited a little longer?”

 

Although this short story is fiction, it contains truth. We always seem to not have enough time in life. Time is like soap, it can easily slip away from our grasps. And that’s why I believe that we should celebrate the time that we have. Live in the moment. Don’t let time fly by you. Catch it and hold hands with it. You don’t ever want to let go. Time is always on your side, so make the best of your time.

2015 VMA Performances: Hits & Misses

Kandace Peroramas
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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. With the VMA performances came lots of surprises that made the audience stare in awe or scratch their heads. Whichever side of the spectrum you were on, I hope you got some form of entertainment out of it!

Hits:

♦ Nicki Minaj & Taylor Swift’s Opening Performance

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Decked out in red and performing “Trini Dem Girls“, all eyes were on Minaj and her crew of dancers. However, we were in for a huge surprise as Taylor Swift rose up from the stage and sang the chorus for “The Night Is Still Young” with Nicki! After the initial surprise, the artists acknowledged their Twitter fight when Taylor began to sing her hit, “Bad Blood.” Whether their making up is genuine or not, it was still a fabulous sight to see! This definitely set the stage for the rest of the night. Watch the performance here.

♦ The Weeknd – Can’t Feel My Face

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Performing his hit song, “Can’t Feel My Face“, The Weeknd was (literally) on fire! Everyone in the audience (including a very enthusiastic Kanye) was dancing and nodding their head in approval. From underground artist to rising star, it has been an amazing year for The Weeknd and this only proves it! Watch the explosive performance here.

♦ Justin Bieber’s Comeback

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With the impressive choreography that came with “Where Are Ü Now” came a flood of tears during the newly released “What Do You Mean?” During Bieber’s roller coaster of a performance, a voice over can be heard, inspiring viewers to pick themselves up after difficult times. This is admirable considering the laundry list of trouble he got into in 2013. You can tell from the way he is trying to catch his breath in this video that he put his heart and soul into this performance. Love him or hate him, he’s got a right to be emotional.

♦ Tori Kelly – Should’ve Been Us

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As always, the songstress hit it out of the ballpark with her song, “Should’ve Been Us.” To top off her smooth yet powerful vocals, she showed us that she can also rock it out on the electric guitar! And if the last part of her performance doesn’t give you goosebumps, I don’t know what will.

Misses:

♦ Miley Cyrus & Her New Song

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After being introduced by the members of her Happy Hippie Foundation, Miley came out with her dancers in ridiculous costumes that perfectly matched the ridiculous performance. Although her new song, “Dooo It!” talks about spreading peace, that message did not come across. Miley has been known for her ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude, but if she wanted to promote her serious ideals of peace and individuality, this was not the right way. Watch the uncensored performance at your own discretion here.

Best wishes,

Kandace  🙂

Video Of The Day: Five Things I Want You To Hear

Talia Santarossa
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The end of August hails in a new school year, a new slate and a chance to grow. September, as much as it may be a time of opportunity, can be a very stressful period for a lot of people. You reconnect with people, you get back into a routine and perhaps you may fall back into a situation that you aren’t happy with. I feel like this is something that a lot of people fear; the notion of being given a chance to start over, but it not amounting to anything or even moving backwards. This is a time of uncertainty for some and isn’t all sunshine, daisies and new notebooks and pens.

YouTuber Emma Blackery released this video earlier this month and it really sums up a response to many of the feeling of anxiety, fear or even regret that may come along with the start of a new school term. This video is so universal that it can be appropriated to many situations including the one that we are finding ourselves faced with this very moment. Whether your feelings toward this season are positive or negative, it’s always a good idea to step back and really take a good look at the big picture and this short video, “Five Things I Want You To Hear,” is a great starting point.

Have a wonderful day, lovelies.

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Ways to Get Involved in Science and Tech this School Year

Danielle Leong
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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 in Grade 10, yet looking back on my Freshman year, I’ve realized that I actually was enjoying myself more than expected despite the drawbacks of school.  Why? Because I joined my school community and youth community!  I’m aware that in every “Back to School Advice” segment, someone always mentions joining clubs and teams and organizations.  But trust me, it’s worth it.  Not only does joining things that you enjoy partaking in give you something to look forward to (instead of just the weekend) in the school year, it also is one of the best ways to meet new people and create strong relationships.  There’s got be something you enjoy doing in your spare time – whether it be found in the form of a club or a team.  Or, you could always start your own club! (Not to mention, universities give extracurricular activities huge consideration, so that isn’t harmful.)

Speaking of universities, Medicine and Engineering programs are two of, if not the most, difficult sciences to get accepted in to.  Not only do you need to have competetive grades, you also need to have demonstrated school and community involvement.  Which brings me to today’s topic:

Ways to Get Involved in Science and Tech this School Year

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1. Shad

I was finishing up a swimming course when I saw  a bunch of bright-looking teenagers entering the pool in navy blue t-shirts that read: “SHAD- uncommon purpose”.  I thought to myself, what is this… and then promptly forgot about that friendly-looking group.  That is, until a few days later I logged on to Facebook and saw my feed blowing up with pictures of my friends in shirts that read “SHAD”.  Of course, after seeing so much about this strange-sounding program, I had to Google it, and what I found out was amazing.  SHAD is an established organization that gives youth with potential a once in a life time chance. Students can apply to any host university (that’s right, you get to visit another university with this program!), where you experience a program based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math)  Let’s not forget about the perks of this program – internships, guest speakers, the list goes on.  This program takes place in the summer, so if you want a spot make sure you apply this coming school year!

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2.  MED YSP

I am confident that over half of my peers would like to go into the medical field when they are older.  I myself was wondering what would set apart one from the other, since many people I know achieve amazing grades.  Then I found out from a teacher about MED YSP- the perfect program to bump yourself up, while having a good time.  In this program, high school students visit the University of Toronto (which is absolutely stunning by the way), and alongside students from the international community they gain the unique opportunity to experience life as a medical student.  This program also takes place in the summer, however applications are beginning soon, so go check it out!

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Ps: There is also a “LAW YSP” for you future lawyers.

 

3. The Science Fair

If you’ve heard a bit about the previous two, I am confident you’ve heard of The Science Fair.  It’s been around since elementary, but it’s presence is still very prominent in high school life.  The Science Fair is especially great because there are no limits to what your project can be.  Science is a very broad field, and instead of focusing on just one segment the Science Fair combines all.  I was personally involved with this activity previously, and it’s an experience that I won’t forget soon.  Also, the perks of joining this competition are almost too good to be true.  I’m lucky enough to be friends with the two-time winner of the CYSF (City Wide Science Fair), and along with travelling across the country for Nationals he has numerous scholarships as well!  Although only one individual can win The Science Fair each year, there are many different prizes and awards.  However, in the end it’s really not about winning- even participating in the experience was interesting for me.  If you have an idea, a question, or an invention relating to Science or Technology in any way, give it a shot this year at the CYSF.

Here’s the two-time winner!

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4. Science Olympics

Now when I first heard about this event, I thought it was the exact same as the Science Fair.  But as things turn out, it’s completely different.  Yes, this is also a scientific competition, but contrary to The Science Fair it makes you utilize your creativity in a different way.  Students are all given the same task, but it’s their job to create the most creative and effective mechanism.  For example, when I participated, we built miniature rollercoasters!  The Science Olympics also has hands-on impromptu activities at the competition that are challenging yet fun. Also, you get to work with 3 friends!  If you and your friends want to conquer something new this year, try the Science Olympics.

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5. Join or Start a club

I know I touched briefly on this one already, but I feel the need to emphasize it even more.  I know at my school, we have a Bio club, Chem club, Physics club, Science club, Robotics club, a Climate club, miscellaneous science clubs and competition clubs, and pretty much… everything.  However, somehow every year people find a way to add a new club to the list.  The point here is, there is something for everyone, no matter your interests!  Joining a club is wonderful, and starting one is even better.

 

That concludes the end of this article, however I didn’t even come close to menitoning the endless opportunities for youth in today’s world.  They’re there, trust me – you just have to search a little!

Good luck in school this year everybody, and do not forget – get involved. 

 

 

PS: don’t forget about the Brain bee! It’s also a great way to get involved in science, especially in the neuroscience department.

 

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Simple Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

Sara Naqvi
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As anyone with a sweet-tooth knows, cupcakes are like the building blocks of baked goods. If you ever feel the urge to make a nice batch of chocolate cupcakes, but don’t have a lot of baking experience, this recipe is great for you.

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 of a teaspoon baking soda

3/4 of a cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/8 a teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons of butter

1 1/2 cups of white sugar

2 eggs

3/4 of a teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup of milk

cupcakes
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Instructions:

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt in a bowl.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Mix the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add in eggs, beating with every addition. Stir in the vanilla, then add the flour mixture alternately with the milk. Beat the mixture.

Line a cupcake pan with liners, and fill each 3/4 full with the batter.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. To test the cupcakes after baking, insert a toothpick into the centre and make sure it comes out clean.

Frost as desired.

Be sure to try out this recipe and dig into your delicious chocolate cupcakes. Happy cooking!

What is homelessness? Part 2 – Should we feel uncomfortable?

Richard Lee-Thai
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How do you feel when you see a homeless person?

Speaking from personal experience, I have to admit that I feel uncomfortable. However, I know that I shouldn’t feel that way. It’s something that I’m continually working to overcome. The first step is identifying how I honestly feel, so that I can figure out what I can do to change that. Through volunteering and discussing this topic with other people, I have been able to become more open-minded and compassionate. Yet, I feel like there’s still a long journey ahead of me before I can truthfully say that I’m completely comfortable around homeless individuals, but I know I’m taking steps in the right direction. Hopefully you’ll be able to relate how I feel.

Why do I feel uncomfortable? 

Homelessness - Part 2

(Original Image – Courtesy of Jim Fischer)

Part of the reason is because growing up, my parents have taught me to just avoid homeless people. If they ask if you have any money, just give them a polite “No, sorry” and keep walking. Even nowadays, almost every time before I go downtown by myself, my parents will remind me of this. Do I listen to them? Not always. I recognize that I am able to make my own decisions now and one of those decisions is helping others when I can. It gets a lot more complicated than that though.

“Don’t talk to strangers.” Isn’t that what we were taught as a kid? I think we were taught that for good reasons. It’s true that one should be cautious when chatting with strangers because you can never know what their true intentions are. Whether a person is homelessness or not, it’s important to use discretion when interacting with strangers. Sometimes you just get the wrong vibe or you feel that something’s off. It may be their body language, their tone of voice or what they’re asking for. They’re all signs that maybe it’s not such a smart idea to keep talking to them.

So, I do understand where my parents are coming from. They’re afraid that if I pull out my wallet to give money, the person can just yank it from my hands and run away with it. Or if I try to resist, they’ll put up a fight because they’re desperate. While I don’t completely agree, I can understand their concern, especially since I’m their child and they’re not there to protect me. It would be a lie for me to say that they don’t want to help people in-need. However, their mindset is that there’s a time and a place. To some extent, I have to agree.

Is giving money a good idea?

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I’ve been told that I have too soft of a heart. If someone asks for help, my first instinct is to do so. One time I was walking downtown with my parents and I was a good ways ahead of them. A teenager came up to me and asked me for some spare change so she could buy a transit ticket. Without hesitating at all, I handed her some cash. She thanked me and headed on her way. I was feeling like a good Samaritan until my parents caught up to me and asked me why I gave her money. In the heat of the moment, I hadn’t realized that she had been smoking. They made me realize, what if she had just been lying and that money was going towards another cigarette?

It made me wonder, where does my money go after I give it someone? It’s unfair to make the assumption that all homeless people deal with alcoholism or substance abuse, because that’s simply not true. At the same time, isn’t it a bad thing that I’m possibly fueling their addiction? I think that’s the wrong way to look at it. Even if the money goes towards them getting their next fix, it’s better than cutting them off of it completely, especially if it’s something their body has become accustomed to. They could face dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Giving them money will help them last a few more days and hopefully someone can come into their lives and help them get back on a better track.

Besides, I can imagine it already takes a heavy emotional toll on people who resort to panhandling. It’s degrading as a human. I try to put myself in their shoes and usually that’s enough to push me to help. What if I was in their position asking for money? How would I feel if people simply just walked by, ignoring my existence? How many other people have refused them today when they could’ve helped? Still, there are times when I make up excuses in my mind: I “need” the money or someone else will give them some cash. When I do end up walking past a homeless person without helping, I feel overwhelmed with guilt. This leads me to my next point: privilege.

I am Privilegedhungry

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The other reason I feel uncomfortable is because I become aware of the privilege that I have. Ever since I participated in the Privilege Project, I’ve been reflecting on what privilege actually means and how much of it that I have. When I see a homeless person, I become acutely aware of myself – the clothes I’m wearing, the food I get to eat, the phone in my pocket. It makes me feel uncomfortable because I have so much while they have so little. I feel almost obligated to help them, otherwise in my mind, I’m a bad person. If I can wear nice clothes, have a safe home to go back to and own a phone that cost hundreds of dollars, surely I can spare some change, right?

Privilege is automatically being in a better situation compared to someone else the very moment I entered into this world. I am privileged to have loving parents who look out for my best interests. I am privileged to grow up in a safe and stable environment. I am privileged to have food on the table when I come home. I am privileged to have the opportunity to get an education. I could spend all day counting my blessings, but that doesn’t change the fact that other people are born into a worse situation than I am. They didn’t have a choice. They had a rough gravel road while I had a smooth paved path.

It’s unfair to say that homeless people put themselves into that situation. If I was born into a low-income family, grew up in a volatile home environment and had to battle with a mental or physical illnesses, the odds would be stacked against me. It’s easy for those who don’t know they’re privileged to say: if you would stop being so lazy, you wouldn’t be in this hole. It’s easy to shield ourselves by pretending that they’re not there or that they deserved it. Maybe because the truth can be too uncomfortable to accept. When all of those self-created layers of protection are shattered, when the comfortable distance between the fortunate and not-so-fortunate disappears, all that’s left are two humans – one who got lucky in the lottery of life, and the other who got dealt a bad hand.

Having the Right Mindset

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So I know I feel uncomfortable when I see a homeless person, how should I approach this? Empathy. Homeless individuals are good people who have bad things happen to them. I sincerely believe in that. No one grows up and says, “I want to be homeless.” They are kind souls who have to suffer the slings and arrows of life. It’s not just an individual’s upbringing that is out of their control, but also the curve balls that life throws at them later on too.

For example, I remember chatting with one man who explained to me that he had lost his home to the devastating 2013 Alberta flood. He had been living a perfectly normal life, but disaster struck and now he was leaving out on the streets. Up until then, I hadn’t fully realized how your life can change just like that. I could just as easily be in their situation if enough bad luck happened to me. It’s a real possibility that I could end up homeless too for whatever reason in the future. If that happens, then I would others to be compassionate towards me.

My privilege is a debt that I have to pay off. If I have been fortunate enough to have all this privilege, then it’s only fair that I have to return it in some way. Although I may feel uncomfortable when I see someone with less than I have, it should be a reminder that I have a duty to help them live a better life as well. This means that I can still enjoy the benefits that life has given me, as long as I am paying it forward. I may not be able to help every individual I see on the streets, but I can tackle the broader issue of homelessness in many other ways and so can you.

How You Can Help

Volunteer. It’s the biggest way that we can help, especially for youth who may not necessarily have the money, but do have the time. Furthermore, I personally find I’m much more comfortable in a volunteering environment. We’re in a secure facility that’s monitored by staff and there’s a structure to the services that that volunteers are providing. This environment allows for easier interaction with homeless people and actually getting to know them, whereas it may be intimidating to approach someone on the streets.

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One of my memorable experiences was volunteering with Inn from the Cold at their St. Stephen’s location, which offers emergency family shelter every night. We helped set up cots with blankets and pillows as well as a number of tables for dinnertime. After food was served, we were encouraged to sit down and have dinner with them. It was the first time I really had an opportunity to have a conversation. However, what surprised me is that we didn’t talk about homelessness, we just talked about everyday things.

It made me realize that homelessness is just a condition they’re in, it doesn’t define who they are as a unique individual. I remember one talkative individual explaining his love for geology and the TV series The Big Bang Theory. I chatted with another man and asked him about where he came from and what languages he could speak. Later on, a husband and wife joined our table and we all had a discussion about the recently elected NDP government in Alberta. The fact that the conversations were so ordinary is what made my experience memorable. It allowed me to see the human underneath, each person with their own interests, dreams and stories.

(More information about volunteering with Inn from the Cold)

Serving Food

Two other organizations I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with is the Mustard Seed and the Salvation Army. With both organizations, I’ve helped with serving meals for those in need. The reason I love doing these projects in particular is that you can see the impact. When you hand a hot plate of food to someone, seeing their smile and hearing their “Thank you” means a lot. It makes you feel like that you’re actually making a difference.

Below is a picture from the dining area at Center of Hope location for the Salvation Army. I think Mother Teresa puts into words the importance of helping the homeless and the philosophy of volunteering better than I ever could.

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Your Own Way of Helping

Although volunteering is a great way to help, it’s certainly not the only way. If homelessness is an issue you’re passionate about changing, there’s many ways to help directly and indirectly. Get educated about what the causes of homelessness are. Instead of giving money to someone who’s hungry and worry about where the money might be going, you could use that money to buy them food directly. Donate clothing, toiletries and other items that you don’t need. At the end of the day, you’re only limited by your creativity.NEWrainbowfirst

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To end off, I’d like you to leave you with the inspiring example of Stephen’s Backpacks. Stephen McPhee was 5 years old when he encountered homelessness for the first time. His parents were reading an article about a homeless man on a newspaper when he asked: “Are there kids on the street Mommy?” In response, she said, “Yes, Stephen unfortunately there are children without homes.” Without even thinking, he said, “Mommy, I need to help them!” So he did. In Decemeber 2006, with the help of his parents, they donated 15 backpacks to Inn from the Cold. They were filled with toiletries, school supplies, toys and much more.

(For the full story, click here)

This small idea blossomed into an organization that partners with other corporations and schools to tackle homelessness. Some of their projects include Stephen’s Backpacks, which is gathering backpacks and supplies to donate to homeless children. Footprints, where running shoes are donated to kids in need. In addition, Stephen’s mother has even published two books, Dreams Out Loud and On Eagle’s Wings, which details how their family’s life has changed ever since that fateful day. In short, the story of Stephen shows how everybody has the ability to help, including you and I. 

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If you haven’t done so already, please check out Part 1 where I explored my experience volunteering at the Drop-In Center. A personal thank you for all the positive feedback I’ve been receiving. I wish I knew all of the organizations in Calgary that work to fight homelessness, but I unfortunately don’t. However, I do want to thank you for all the work that each of them are doing because every little bit counts.

As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.“

My experience at the University of Pennsylvania

Katie Kim
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This summer, I had the honor of participating in a 6-week pre-college program at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). This program is run by Summer Discovery, and allows high school students to get a taste of college life.

There, I took the Introduction to Biology 101 course and lab course, which was worth 1.5 university credits. My schedule looked like this: (pink is lab class, yellow is lecture)

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This course covered three broad topics: Cell Biology, Genetics, and Plants. In respect to tests and quizzes, this class got an open-book quiz every class, 3 midterms and a final. Additionally, we had pre- and post- lab assignments and lab quizzes that all went into our grades. (This was not the case for the other courses that Summer Discovery students took). The material was not everything that AP Biology covered. There were extremely specific things that students were expected to memorize, such as the 10 steps of glycolysis.

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Taken from lecture 8 – cellular respiration PowerPoint

Our time otherwise was free. We were able to sign up for activities every day, which were exclusive to the Summer Discovery participants. Some of these included free smoothies, mini golf, laser tag, and much more. We had conference dollars, which gave us free meal swipes. But my friends and I wanted to discover new foods, so we ended up going to restaurants within University City (area where UPenn is located). I especially enjoyed White Dog Cafe.

Every week, except the last, there were weekend trips. On these trips we were given certain boundaries where we were allowed to do anything we wanted. We went to New York the first weekend, then Hershey Park, then Ocean City, New Jersey, then Washington and Georgetown. I especially liked the New York trip, and coincidentally I took a picture at the same position on the Top of the Rock observatory this time as I did in March.

Overall I really enjoyed the program and I would definitely recommend it to other people. Summer Discovery has pre-college programs at other campuses as well, and if they are as good as my experience at UPenn, I would love to go!

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