Think Ahead!

Wow- Time sure does fly when you're having fun! Who would have thought that the day to write my final blog post would have arrived already. It's been 3 short months since I wrote my first blog post sharing myself to you, and now, here I am deciding what to do with myself in the future. It's scary just thinking about! Well first I'll have to get through Grade 12 but then there's getting my license, university, finding a decent paying job, buying a house and maybe even having a family of my own! I know, I know- you`re thinking whoa slow down there! And that`s probably the way I should be- enjoying one day at a time.

Like a lot of teenagers today, I`m not quite sure what I want to do as a career in the future. I have an interest in the environment and I love Biology and Chemistry so if I end up being a mad scientist in a lab coat, I wouldn`t be surprised. I am a good student in school which also opens up a lot of different opportunities. My mother always says: ``That means good news and bad news. The good news is, your marks can take you anywhere you set your mind to. The bad news is, your makes can take you anywhere  you set your mind to and you`ve got to figure that out.`` Determining what to do with your life is a lot to ask of a 16-year-old girl trying to get through high school! I suppose I still have one year left to decide. For now, the clubs I am involved with and the volunteering that I do are what is mostly on my mind.

Recently, I`ve continued to try to be involved in my school by auditioning for the spring musical- something I`ve never done before. I know that if I continue to put myself out there and take these sort of risks, in the future, when I look back at what I`ve done, I`ll be able to smile and laugh at all the memories. I think that`s my main goal for the future- I want to remembered as someone who wasn`t afraid to take a chance. Whether that means volunteering around my community or taking on a leadership role at school, I won`t be afraid to be adventurous and take a risk here or there.

All and all, this whole blog assignment has been a great experience. It`s forced me to realize the sort of things I`ve done as well as read about what others have too. I`ve learned what wonderful resources are out there, such as TED and Twitter, and how they can be used to impact change. I hope you`ve liked reading my blog posts and I look forward to seeing everyone in the future! MUN here I come!

Tweet It!

To start things off, I must say I haven't been caught up in the whole Twitter world(Facebook yes!) so this was a learning experience for me. Who knew that Twitter wasn't just for "following"(more like stalking!) famous celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, but also for keeping up with the latest movements and acts of change! Twitter has opened up a new world for organizations and stars to get their missions and messages out to the public by just a click of a button.. amazing, don't you think?

1.Severn Cullis-Suzuki (@SevernSuzuki)
Severn Suzuki, daughter of environmental activist, David Suzuki, is a Canadian environmental activist herself, as well as a speaker, television host and author. She is popularly known as "The Girl Who Silenced the World for 5 Minutes" after she spoke in front of United Nations representatives at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. At the age of 9, she founded the Environmental Children's Organization (ECO), a group of children dedicated to learning and teaching other youngsters about environmental issues. By the age of 12, the group had raised enough money to travel to the Earth Summit to bring attention to their cause. It took extreme courage and passion to stand up to all those powerful adults and tell them that they've been ignoring such an important issue- the environment. Every time I watch her speech, it empowers me to want to do something. She was only 12 and had already made such an impact whereas little, old me has let the years float on by. Be sure to check out Severn's twitter account at https://twitter.com/#!/SevernSuzuki and see what she's been up to lately.

Also here is the speech that started it all...

2. Rick Mercer (@rickmercer)
Good 'ol Newfoundland born native, Rick Mercer is a Canadian comedian, television personality, political satirist, and blogger. He is most known for his part on This Hour Has 22 Minutes with "Talking to Americans" and in recent years, for hosting his own show The Rick Mercer Report. Rick knows how to have a good laugh and loves to poke fun at politicians and governments. Every week on his show, you'll see Rick try something new, whether it be bungee jumping with Rick Hansen or walking the edge of the CN Tower with Jann Arden. He's not afraid to do anything, and that includes speaking his mind. Part of his show incorporates a RANT segment. Most recently, his RANT on Teen Suicide sparked public attention.(*see video below) His way of speaking is direct and to the point, making his messages that much clearer. Rick is trully inspiring in the sense that he can balance the fun and the serious issues that others are scared to address. Check out his twitter account at: https://twitter.com/#!/rickmercer Wouldn't we all want the life of Rick Mercer.

3. UNICEF (@UNICEF)

Every since we had to carry around UNICEF boxes while Trick-or-treating on Halloween, UNICEF has been apart of my life. Founded in 1946, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. The money raised, goes towards relief efforts to provide emergancy food and health care to those who need it most. It's a great cause and something definitely worth donating towards because there is always going to be children who are suffering; lowering the numbers are what's important. Check out their twitter page for more info: https://twitter.com/#!/UNICEF

And in conclusion of my exploring of the Twitter World, I now understand what all the hype is about. There are some pretty empowering people and organizations worth following and keeping up to date with! Who knew!

What I'm Into

Volunteering and being apart of groups or clubs has always been a HUGE part of my life! I never like to sit idle when there is something going on; I'm just not that kind of person. Some say it's just being nosy and trying to look better than everybody else, but this is usually coming from those who do nothing other than go to school, eat, sleep, go on Facebook/Twitter and play video games. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with all that, but there's so much more out there to do in addition to those things! The activities that I'm involved with, were never to be nosy or "out-do" anyone. It was more to make new friends and experience the world outside school and home.. corny, I know. "Spicing It Up" is all about taking risks and putting yourself out there, so that's what I've been trying to do all along.

Wouldn't everyone love to say that being a leader is easy! To be that leader you need to have people willing to follow under your lead. From experience, I believe that the best way to do this is to get your name out and show people who you are and what you can do. Getting involved in different kinds of activities doesn't hurt either! Some days you might see me in the gym with the badminton team. Other times I could be tutoring a student in the library. And at the annual Christmas and Spring concerts you'll always find me proudly wearing my blue, band shirt playing my clarinet along with the rest of them. Every year is a busy year for me!

I've already mentioned in another blog posting how I use to be involved in a group called "Circle of Friends". This was back in elementary school but, it was my first crack at feeling how volunteering can pay for itself. Working with disabled students was always a challenge because you never knew what they were going to throw at you, but that's what made it special. Every day with them, taught me something different. And the best days were when I could get them to laugh and smile. :)

It may come with having a little sister, but I've always loved working with kids. At the library I volunteer with the Junior Reading Club, and in the summer, at Killdevil Camp. I've learned that I've got to watch what I say and do because to those children, I can be seen as a role model. It's such a great feeling when a younger child feels comfortable enough to come up to you and ask a question, for example. When I was a kid, tall people were scary! It took me ages to gather up the courage to ask a question or for help! So when a little one approaches me or tells me I'm doing a good job, it's the best feeling in the world!

At school, my role I suppose, is that of a leader. I'm a member of student council. I'm not the president or anything, but I've always been actively involved in spirit days, fundraisers and other school events. I'm a leader in the school band, helping out the younger and the less experienced players. And academically, I've always been a leader when it comes to tutoring other students in various subjects. I like tutoring for the fact that I have to be able to explain how to do something to someone else. It can be extremely difficult at times! All and all, I like the challenges being a leader brings on.

Growing up I was never involved in piano lessons, guides or cadets like most kids seem to have been. That never really bothered me, especially now when I've just dived head first into everything else. Recently, I've even started taking guitar lessons. There's always something new to learn or something else to get into. Who knows, by next year I could be training to be a mountain climber or want to be apart of the latest mall, flash mob. I don't necessarily have to be involved in a world-changing movement, just the involvement part is important to me. You'll never see me sitting idle and I think that's the way it should be.

Ted Video: Take Two

Photos That Changed the World:
http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_klein_photos_that_changed_the_world.html

A single image has the potential to change the world. It can change the way we view different ideas or problems. It could even make us want to take action and do something to improve our lives and those around us. The purpose or message behind a picture is all up to the viewers interpretation. We've all heard the quote "A picture is worth a thousand words." Whoever came up with that was a brilliant person!
This video told by Jonathan Klein, is all about those images that have impacted us. Some images that we see may be slightly graphic to try to spark emotion inside of us, but it's our reaction that is important. Klein says at one point in his talk: "We all have a choice. We can look away, or we can address the image." On Facebook and other social media sites, there are always pictures floating around of dogs half-starved or without a limb. Some people pass over them or "look away" but then there are those few who "address the image" and do something about it. 
As an amateur photographer myself, this video is truly inspiring for me because I hold the power behind the lens to create an image that may impact others. Then also as a viewer, any emotion I feel when looking at a picture, I am able to transfer that into something good. Everyone sees those pictures of children starving in Africa; hollowed faces and ribs poking out every which way. Well, they've impacted me and I give to those organizations and causes whenever I see they need it most.
These days, nobody wants to read a long, boring book about "Global Warming" but show them a couple pictures and BINGO.. They'll want to do something about it.
The story is there in the picture.

TED Video

Tough Truths About Plastic Pollution:
http://www.ted.com/talks/dianna_cohen_tough_truths_about_plastic_pollution.html

Here we go.. another video about saving the world one bottle at a time. I know we've heard it over and over again.. But have we really listened?
This is a short video by Dianna Cohen who talks about the "plastic pollution" in our environment. For over 20 years she has worked as a visual artist, cutting up and sewing together plastic bags as works of art. After awhile, her sculptures and pieces started to deteriorate, which was a good thing.. or so she thought! When plastic breaks down it just becomes smaller bits of plastic which usually ends up in our marine environment. Many people's first thoughts are: we have to go clean up this mess! But really, our mess isn't entirely in the oceans; it's in our refrigerators, our stores, our water bottles too. We have to try to refuse ourselves from buying/using these plastic materials whenever it is possible.
This whole idea of lessening our use of plastic is something that has become very important to me. I pride myself on leaving the store with at most 2 or 3 plastic bags; the rest cloth. At school, I always bring my reusable water bottle instead of buying something from the vending machine. And finally, my favourite trip are when we go to Bulk Barn (yes, Bulk Barn), not because of the aisles of candy (although that does play a part), but because buying in bulk is much better than all individually wrapped, plastic items you see in the grocery store. It's these little things that help.
Plastic Pollution is a huge problem. It's tough to hear but it's the truth.
Now what are YOU going to do about it?

All About Me!

Hi there! It's me, Heather Spicer here with my first blog, sharing with you all the things you need to know. I live a pretty normal life for a young, grade eleven student. Between juggling around extracurricular activities and school, my free time is mostly spent with family and hanging out with friends. Besides all that, my involvement in a wide variety of clubs and activities has always been an important part of my life. I'm constantly on the go, doing something or trying to make a difference. I like to take advantage of the many opportunities thrown my way seeing that the experiences and friendships that I've taken away from them are life changing. Getting out there, volunteering and meeting new people is so rewarding, and it's great to see what others like me are doing too!

I guess you could say my volunteering started at a very young age when I was in grades 2 & 3. I had a bit of a different lifestyle growing up as a child in Ontario but, there was still so many different ways to become involved. At my elementary school, we had this group which we called "Circle of Friends". There were about 12 physically and/or mentally disabled students at our school, in which at recess and lunch times other students would volunteer to help bring them outside, play games and just give them the care and love they deserved. Starting at the age of seven, I would participate in the "Circle of Friends" program on a fairly regular basis to do whatever I could do to help. I became quite attached to the children and they taught me so much! Seeing the smiles on their faces is what inspired me to keep at it for so many years. I learned how to accept people's differences and the challenges they have to overcome. One of the girls, who I was especially close to, spoke using sign language because she was partially deaf. The first time I was able to communicate with her using sign language gave me such an amazing feeling, I'll never forget it! I couldn't believe the joy that I could bring to their faces when I just pushed them on the swings or played a game of hopscotch. All it took was 10 minutes of my day! The effect that volunteering has on both myself and others is just incredible! That's why I volunteer whenever given the chance.

I've learned that volunteering, although important, is only a small part of what it takes to be a leader. The past few summers, I have worked as a student counsellor at an Anglican Church Camp, in Gros Morne National Park. It's been a great experience for me and I've realized leadership involves many things. To be a good counsellor, I first had to establish trust with the kids so that they are comfortable being around me and following my instructions. I had to be hard working, be able to set a good example and be a good listener. I consider myself to be a good leader because I've learned overtime to adapt these qualities. In school, I am a leader on Student Council, in the Senior Band, and also when it comes to group work in the classroom. By putting myself out there, helping others and providing guidance has become a more natural thing for me. I'm definitely not the loudest, the bossiest or the most persistent person out there but, I feel more people are accepting me now as an influential person who will listen and get what is needed to be done, completed.

Now to the hard question: What are your plans for the future? So far, I don't really have any set plans. I think my best bet is to figure out myself and who I really am, before I start planning for the future. Wherever I end up, I know I'll want to share my passion and enthusiasm with others. I'll want to wake up everyday and look forward to face whatever challenges are ahead of me. I'll put in my time and hard work however, I'll have a little fun on the way too. I'm all about getting things done and done well, but there's always room to spice things up!