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.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Thursday, 29 December 2011
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.
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?
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?
Sunday, 4 December 2011
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!
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!
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