Becoming a part of history

Times Reporter 

 

At the beginning of this year, the Alberta Legislature voted on what will be included in a new time capsule, which will be opened in 100 years. A variety of items were decided upon, including pennies and letters written by Alberta students. Crowther Memorial Junior High (CMJHS) student Brooke Paiha is one of eight students in the province whose letter was picked for the capsule. On Sept. 25, she was in Edmonton for the time capsule ceremony, where she was also chosen to read her letter for the crowd.

“That was really scary because it was broadcasted, so I was really nervous,” said Paiha.

“It was actually really exciting; I was pretty excited that I was the only one who got to speak about my letter.”

Alysia Bailey gave the assignment to the students asking them to write their letters in four sections. Paiha said it was to be written about what’s happening now, future predictions, what they want and what they hope to happen. 

While writing her letter, Paiha thought of all the aspects she wants for her future and for generations to come. 

“There are a lot of issues that people have with just silly things in society right now, like with racism and things like that, that’s still happening; all those kinds of issues that seem so irrelevant but we have issues with. I just think that we should, in 100 years from now, be able to walk down the street and not have people judge us for what we look like and what we’re wearing,” said Paiha. 

Bailey, a language arts and social studies teacher at CMJHS, was excited when she heard the news that Paiha’s letter was chosen for the provincial time capsule.

“I was extremely proud of her. In fact, when I got the notice that her letter was chosen, I went and found her in her gym class, then shared the information with her and we were both jumping up and down with excitement,” said Bailey. “It wasn’t until later we found out she was going to read a portion of her letter at the official ceremony and that just made the experience even more memorable. 

“This was a great opportunity for her,” she added. “Brooke consistently works hard and it was very special to see her get recognized for her creativity and dedication. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach her.”

Though the letter is being buried anonymously, Paiha hopes that maybe her future children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren will have the opportunity to hear the words she wrote. 

“That’s pretty cool for me to think about, it just seems so neat to think that my letter is going to be a part of history. It’s just kind of a neat way to think about it because I really really want my future grandchildren to be there to open that up and know that I wrote it,” said Paiha. 

Taylor Pfeifer and Brenna Jolly, who attend Sarah Thompson Elementary School in Langdon, were also in attendance at the ceremony. Both of their letters are being included in the time capsule, and Jolly was also given the opportunity to read from her letter during the ceremony.