November 16th marked an important day for the student bodies of Western Canada High School and Central Memorial. This was a day of advocacy for the friends and classmates of many. As a matter of fact, I am a student attending Western Canada Highschool. Thus, I was able to attend the walkout firsthand. For this article, I will present the events of the day through my eyes.
The Start
Tuesday, November 16. 8:23 AM-
At this time, this would be the first I am hearing about the walkout. Just weeks earlier, I heard about a poor girl coming forwards with her case and gaining bountiful support. I was initially confused as why we were having a walkout, and why I would need to keep this a secret; but I would rather stand up for someone than sit in my hour long CALM class (sorry!). Just 15 minutes into my first period, students began standing up and exiting in a nonchalant fashion. I receive the text from my friend telling me to meet them at the washroom. I completely did not expect what occurred next.
Realization
Tuesday, November 16. 9:15 AM-Â
The halls were chaos. If you would like an accurate image, think about that scene in “Mean Girls” where “The Plastics” are walking through the halls, and ‘Cady’ falls into the trash can. However, there are no “Plastics” and no one falls into a trash can. Accordingly, I begin leaving those front school doors. When oneself enters to an audience of 100-sum students that I’ve seen and spoken to many times, standing all together on a cold Tuesday, was a massive eye opener. This isn’t some iconic movie trope where the “hippies” and the “cheerleaders” join together to speak on the same topic. This is real life, where genuine issues happen daily, and these issues tend to be the ones that are infringing on peoples rights.
Knowledge and Advocacy
Tuesday, November 16. 9:30 AM-Â
After huddling with my friends, and learning what was happening– I was shocked. students were being promised help, accommodation, and more resources after coming forward with their cases, however these promises never came to be. The administration was neglecting the student body’s voice, even after there were reminders from students. Certainly the walkout was not only for justice, but for more responsibility from other students, and the Administration of these schools. I could feel how alone my classmates were feeling. Above all, no person should ever feel alone and helpless. Especially in a school environment.
The Aftermath
Tuesday, November 16. 9:45 AM-
The walkout was a beautiful showcase in what my generation can do, and it was honestly quite emotional. Being in the vulnerable state of a student, there isn’t much power one can possess. But by showing up for your friends, and standing for what you believe in; you can create the change necessary.
Sources: Featured Image | 1 (Screenshot from me, Consent allowed from my friend)Â | 2
