Local student attends Forum for Young Canadians

Sabrina Kooistra
Junior Times Contributor

 

For the duration of the week of Feb. 15-20, I was privileged to be accepted to the first seminar of Forum for Young Canadians. This experience greatly impacted my life and has left me energized in the areas of leadership and politics which I am already very passionate about. Upon returning, I have also pondered the impressive diversity of Canada which became evident during my experience in this program. Though my statement is somewhat cliché, Canada is a country of a rare dynamic: we embrace diversity rather than discourage it.
Our country has much to offer and one of these features is Canada’s youth. Spread across our vast country, there is a great number of students who have battled and were triumphant against a powerful stereotype: young people are only irresponsible, immature, and self-focused. The opportunity for politically-minded youth to network and to progress as leaders through this program was something that I greatly appreciated. I strongly encourage any students who are interested in the political field or simply want to learn more about the affairs of our country to apply for this program. It is an unforgettable experience which will enrich your life no matter what path you choose to travel on.
During the week, students were presented simulations of governmental processes such as an election, federal cabinet, provincial partnership, and debates of controversial issues Canada is involved with such, as the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Each specialized simulation was highly beneficial in understanding both the intricacies and barriers that politicians confront during parliamentary sittings and as individual leaders. Canada’s most critical issues became very pertinent, and in numerous ways were very poignant during this program. This allowed me, along with other participants, to address governmental affairs with a newfound sense of passion and ability to relate. This was because we know people of other provinces who have firsthand experience with many of the issues we only hear about in the news. Participants were privileged to be able to enter and sit in both the Senate and House of Commons, meet with dignitaries, and hear from passionate speakers of topics such as the legacy of residential schools and the importance of supply management in the areas of chicken and egg farming.
The week that I attended Forum for Young Canadians was a full week off in our school district. When considering the “free time” that I would have had otherwise, I am extremely pleased that I made the decision to attend Forum for Young Canadians and to experience the personal growth that this program impresses upon participants. I feel very fortunate to have been able to expand on life skills such as collaboration, public speaking, professionalism, knowledge of current events and history, and to be challenged on an intellectual level. Many of the activities we participated in were foreign, but unfamiliar challenges lead to growth, and for that I am appreciative. I would like to thank those who supported me in this endeavour and to Rob Pirie for assisting me with the application process.
As an aspiring politician, this was a significant benefit for my current career path, and I know that the skills I have attained and the reputation of this noteworthy program will help me confidently integrate into the demanding career force both domestically and internationally. I would like to challenge all students of our community to be proactive in whatever they endeavour, because you will find, like what I have found through Forum for Young Canadians, no matter where you are from, there are more people than you could ever know who will guide you along the way.