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!
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!
