“I was hanging out with this girl and we realized that we could just buy scrubs, so we bought some. Then we’re talking to the janitor and he didn’t ask to see ID or anything, and we’re like, hey, can you open the janitorial closet? We need something. So he opened it, and just left.…
“My biggest passion is helping people. When I was little, I went to India and saw a bunch of the poverty and hurt there. There were people living inside sewers who relied on selling the metal they found for their next meal. Living here, we are so privileged and we don’t see what’s right outside…
“For me, dance is communication, every kind of dance is like a language. I express myself through my body movements. Because when I first came back to Canada, my English was so ESL. In order to communicate with other people, I thought I should use something else to express myself. So, I chose to use…
“Music brings people together in a way that nothing else can.” – Tawndunn Quintet – Solana (13), Keilin (15), Mo (16), Joan (13), Haena (15) Shot backstage at the Conservatory and Bella Hall open house with members of the Advanced Performance Program
“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…
“Were you in the hallway when I first saw you?” “Yeah, and I was like, ‘Hey! I know you.’” “And we just became friends.” “Instantly?” “Pretty much.” – Ruby and Rose, 16 and 16
“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…
“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…
“I’ve never been bored with it, or wanted to quit. My teacher keeps me interested, and I’m always learning new things. I know that I can pursue anything I want to and still have time to play the cello.” – Mark, 16
“I feel content reading. It opens your soul to comprehend the world in ways you weren’t aware of before.” – Julie, 17
Hello, my name is Courtney. I am new to Youth Are Awesome, as my first blog I thought I would introduce myself and do “18 over 18”, which will tell you 18 things I’ve learned in my 18 years! For starters, I just turned 18 on December 17th, 2014! I was born in Vancouver, BC. I…
“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…
“My greatest struggle in applying to university is trying to get across who I am within the word limit.” – Farrah, 17
“We’re the musicians, we’re supposed to be heard, not seen…” – Jules, 17 Shot backstage at the Conservatory and Bella Hall open house with members of the Calgary Youth Orchestra
*feeling confused on trying to decide on a quote…* – Mark and Anthony, 16 and 14 (ft. Katie and Miranda, 15 and 15) Shot backstage at the Conservatory and Bella Hall open house with members of the Calgary Youth Orchestra