Youville Centre > Mentorship Program

Mentorship Program

Tag: Mentorship Program

Mentorship Program Update

Youville Centre’s pilot mentorship program is well underway, with semi-monthly lunch and learn events continuing throughout the school year, and nine students who have been matched with mentors enjoying one-on-one lunch meetings.

Over the past few months we have enjoyed three Lunch & Learn events at the centre featuring unique topics and special guests. Please enjoy this brief recap and update, and feel free to get in touch with us if you are interested in speaking at a future event or possibly being matched as a mentor to a young mom in our next academic year. Please see the bottom of this post for contact information.

FEBRUARY

Theme: Entrepreneurship

Guest Speakers:

Whether or not our young moms may end up running their own business someday, we wanted to show them that they are already developing the skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur, simply by balancing school, parenting, and other aspects of their lives. Our guest speakers, who are both mothers and entrepreneurs, reminded our young moms to see all kinds of life and career experiences as possible opportunities, some of which might possibly lead to entrepreneurial ventures. They also reminded our students to listen to their inner voices and remember that although they had a child young, they still have the right to dream and to do what they love. Emily and Anita also shared their own personal journeys about how they came to be entrepreneurs; highlighting personal successes, tips for how to balance work and motherhood, and strategies for overcoming obstacles along the way.

Anita also shared a beautiful photo of herself and her children from when she was just starting her business (her children are now teenagers), and a poster that she once cut out of a magazine that she still holds on to today as a reminder to never stop dreaming. Many thanks to Anita for allowing us to share this with our Youville Centre community.

anitakids-resized

entrepreneurship lunch and learn-resizedPictured with some of Youville’s young moms are: Michelle Torunski, member of the Mentorship Task Force, (third from left); Emily Arbour (middle); and Anita Ruivo (holding her poster).

JANUARY

Theme: Careers in Health and Wellness

Guest Speakers:

  • Karen Ergus, Dental Hygienist
  • Kate Kinghan, Registered Nurse
  • Leah Hutchinson White, Registered Massage Therapist

Each of the three career options featured showed our young moms possible journeys they could take in the field of health and wellness. All three guest speakers shared with our young moms how to navigate the schooling required for each career, how to plan family finances in order to study, work and parent at the same time, and how to continue to learn and develop skills along the way to advance in their careers.  Karen, Kate, and Leah all stressed that their chosen careers offered a good amount of flexibility and independence which has helped them to work while raising their children. Practical information and advice was shared openly to give our students a comprehensive view of each career option presented to them. Karen, Kate, and Leah reminded our young moms to believe in themselves, work hard, and if they feel called, to pursue a career in the field of health and wellness, as it can be very rewarding to earn a living by helping others. Each of our guests shared a lovely quote at the end of the presentation:

“I feel like I make a difference in peoples’ lives.” ~ Kate

“I get the chance to earn a living while making others happy.” ~ Leah

“To quote Audrey Hepburn, ‘…you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others’.” ~ Karen

January Lunch N Learn 2015Mentorship Task Force Member and Youville Centre Board Member Laurie Tucker (far left) is seen here with Youville students, Kate Kinghan (second from left), Karen Ergus (third from right) and Leah Hutchinson White (far right).

DECEMBER

Theme: Resiliency

Guest Speakers:

  • Shannon Gorman, National Director, Community Affairs at TELUS; member of the Mentorship Program Task Force
  • Clarissa Arthur, Child Development Program Coordinator at Youville Centre
  • Laurie Tucker, Youville Centre Board Member; member of the Mentorship Program Task Force

All three women shared personal stories of times when they learned how to bounce back from life events, and how they gathered the strength to keep going not only as a person and a woman, but also as a mother. Each of the guest speakers was a young mother herself, so the lessons they were able to impart to Youville’s young moms spoke volumes.

Clarissa shared her “Top 10 Sayings to Keep on Mental Repeat” that help her to stay positive, focused, and to learn how to bounce back from life events:

  1. Live your life on purpose. You are here for a reason; this is not a test run.  Know that every single experience is an opportunity to learn, to grow, to try something new.  Recognize your worth and realize that if you want something, you have every right to go after it.
  2. Be mindful. Pay attention.  When you start drifting, bring yourself back.  Be reflective; ask yourself questions (what happened, what feelings I had, what was good/not so good, did I have other options, if it happens again, what can I do?).
  3. It’s all about perception. Remember that what you feel is based on your own way of thinking, your own experiences and your own point of view.  The same way this is true for you, it is true for others as well.  Bringing yourself back to this frame of mind can help in situations where you feel misunderstood and frustrated.
  4. Resiliency skills are taught; they don’t come automatically. “Resiliency” is the ability to overcome difficulties.  We are experiential beings, meaning we learn from what we do, what we see and what we feel.  Through experience and a set of useful strategies, we have the ability to overcome adversity.  Seek out guidance and assistance from others; be open to learning new ways of coping and strategizing at being successful in this thing called life.
  5. A goal without a plan is simply a wish. Having a goal solely by itself, will not result in automatic success.  Goals need to be clear and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Trackable). Ask yourself, what is my action plan?
  6. Give reasons, not excuses. Re-frame your thinking.  Excuses can come easily, they are often the quick explanations we give for why things that haven’t gone our way.  Reasons, on the other hand, take some thought.  When giving a reason, always take the time to think it through and ask yourself, what I can learn here, what can be different for next time?
  7. As long as you move forward with the best of intentions, you’re never wrong. Intentions aren’t necessarily what you do; rather they are an energy you are a part of.  They should be your values, your belief system, and your overall guiding practice.  If your intentions are rooted in goodness, in positivity and in growth, even if things don’t turn out the way we wanted them to, we know that they originated from a good place.
  8. When all else fails, try and try again. We are going to make mistakes, that’s just a fact of life.  The real question is: after we’ve made that “mistake”, what are we going to do now?  The reality is, if you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done; besides, you won’t know unless you try!
  9. Go the extra mile; it’s never crowded there. Be the difference.  Stand out.  Be the one who is going to work hard to be a better you.  A lot of people nowadays just do what they “have” to do, and refuse to go the distance to really make a difference.  It will always feel better if you’ve worked hard for it.
  10. It never rains forever. What can I say about this one, other than “it’s true”?  Yes, it’s that simple.  Experiences happen, they do not define who you are, they are moments in time… moments in time, that will pass.

Lunch N Learn November 2014 SpeakersL to R: Shannon Gorman, Clarissa Arthur, Laurie Tucker.

We are grateful to all of our guest speakers and we continue to plan Lunch & Learn events. If you are interested in speaking on a particular topic, please email us at either of the following addresses:

Mentorship Task Force: mentorship(at)youvillecentre(dot)org

Youville Centre Communications: communications(at)youvillecentre(dot)org

Lunch & Learn Sessions Wrap Up with “What’s Next?” Day

On Wednesday, May 28th, Youville Centre students enjoyed their last lunch & learn event of the year. A component of our mentorship program, each lunch & learn has offered our students a chance to connect with community members and inspiring guest speakers, and this event was no different. This final lunch & learn was unique in that we extended it beyond the lunch hour, to allow volunteers from local businesses, post-secondary institutions and government workplaces to offer practical workshops to our students. Named “What’s Next?” Day, the theme of equipping our students for the future extended throughout each workshop and special presentation.

While our students enjoyed a delicious lunch, they were fortunate to listen to the wise, inspirational and entertaining words of our very special friend and keynote speaker, Shannon Gorman of TELUS. Shannon brought her son Ryan and her granddaughter Ava along, and she gave a unique presentation highlighting the “job description” of a single mother. She reminded our young moms that with this job description, “although no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are included…the job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life!” Shannon brought her presentation to a close with a powerful quote from none other than her son, Ryan, a new parent himself, who said: “I have no idea how you ever did this alone — you’re amazing”.

Family-3 Shannon Gorman (right) with her son Ryan and her granddaughter Ava. 

After lunch, the students made their way to one of two sessions they had signed up to attend. We were fortunate to host Barb from HRSDC who offered an important workshop about saving for their children through RESPs; Karen and Cathy from Algonquin College who provided valuable information to the students about their transition to post-secondary education; and a group of employees from Coradix, a technology consulting firm here in Ottawa, who provided a hands-on resume and interview workshop for our students.

Whats Next Volunteers

Thank you to all of our volunteers (pictured here) who helped make this day a success!

Each of the sessions provided practical  advice for our young mothers to help them in the next phase of their lives. Particularly for our graduates, the information provided was invaluable!

We would like to thank the mentorship program task force, and each of the special guest speakers and presenters who contributed to this very special “What’s Next?” Day.

Stay tuned to the blog, as we hope to launch our one-to-one mentorship pilot program in the fall!

Youville Alumnae Inspire Current Students at Mentorship Lunch & Learn

Lunch & Learn Alumnae 002

Pictured here with our students are: (second from left) Marina Stipanac, Mentorship Program Volunteer, and (centre, L to R)  Penny Carkner and Darlene Villeneuve, Youville Centre alumnae.

April’s Lunch & Learn event brought two former Youville graduates back to the centre to speak to our students. Organized by Mentorship Program Volunteer Marina Stipanac, the lunch was a great success and a chance for current students to connect with alumnae, and to be inspired by their stories.

First to speak was Penny Carkner, who currently works as a Retail Manager at Rexall. Having graduated in 1990, Penny was in the second graduating class in Youville’s history, and she told our current students that the first graduating class inspired her: “That set in motion the dreams I had to move forward”, she said. After Youville Centre, she went on to college, and started working at Wal-Mart. She moved up to Assistant Manager there and with this promotion she was able to travel for work. Penny worked at Wal-Mart for 13 years and thoroughly enjoyed her time there. “Don’t overlook retail as a career”, she told the students. “There are opportunities for management, merchandising and other corporate roles.” Now at Rexall, Penny loves her job  and she loves her customers. She is a homeowner, and is married with another child. Her son who attended Youville Centre as a child, won our Second Generation Bursary in 2009, and is now a licensed mechanic working for OCTranspo. Penny admitted that she has had her ups and downs, but that she feels confident that she’s doing well.

Penny shared some sage advice for Youville’s current young moms:

  • “Look for the opportunities that are out there for you!”
  • “I can and I can’t. Very powerful words. — That’s your choice. Don’t let people think that you are not good enough.”
  • “Look for the good within yourself because it’s there.”
  • “Be proud of who you are today because the person you are today will influence who you become tomorrow.”

Next to share her story with Youville’s young moms was Darlene Villeneuve, a Youville Centre graduate from the Class of 1993, and currently an Educational Assistant with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Darlene was at Youville Centre for two years and some of her fondest memories involve learning to cook and helping in the kitchen. She thanks Youville Centre for setting her upon a positive path towards her dreams: “Thank God for Youville”, she said.

After Youville, Darlene admits that she had to work hard, and she had some challenges along the way, but she never gave up, and she echoed that advice to our students: “Even if the doors keep shutting on you, don’t give up”, she urged our young moms. “I never gave up because I always had a dream to work for the school board, ever since I did a placement there at the age of 16.”

Darlene set upon the path to achieve her dream, and along the way she attended college, volunteered with children, studied graphic arts and computer technology. It was her aptitude with computers that got her in the door at the school board.

Today Darlene has 3 children. One of her sons lives in Whistler, the other is a stand up comedian here in Ottawa, and she also has a 9 year old at home. Her two older sons both recieved our Second Generation Bursaries in 2007 and 2011. Darlene has been working with the Ottawa Catholic School Board for six years now and she couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments: “I’m just so happy to be finally where I dreamed to be.”

It was a wonderful chance for Youville students past and present to connect at this Lunch & Learn. If you are a Youville Centre graduate and you’d like to become involved with Youville Centre again in some way, please contact us at communications@youvillecentre.org or (613) 231-5150 Ext. 128. We’d love to hear from you!

Mentorship Lunch ‘n Learn #3: Careers in Law and Municipal Government

On Wednesday, February 5th, we held our third Lunch ‘n Learn as part of our Mentorship Program. Organized by Youville Centre Board President and Chair of the Mentorship Program, Megan Wallace, who herself is a lawyer who balances career and motherhood, the student-requested theme this time was “Careers in Law and Municipal Government”. Guests on hand included: Youville Centre’s School Resource Officer (SRO) Constable Monique Paquette of the Ottawa Police Service; Darian Parsons, Youville Centre alumna and current student in the Law Clerk program at Alqonquin College; Susan Lepine and Valerie Lepage, Law Clerks at Burn Tucker Lachaine; and City Councillor representing Kanata North, Marianne Wilkinson.

Group Shot

L to R: Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, Youville Centre Board President and Mentorship Program Task Force Chair Megan Wallace, Alumna Darian Parsons, and Law Clerks Susan Lepine and Valerie Lepage.

To begin this Lunch ‘n Learn, our School Resource Officer (S.R.O.), Constable Monique Paquette, shared valuable career advice. Describing her experiences and career path, she encouraged our young moms to set goals and work toward them: “You can achieve whatever you want to achieve.” “You will achieve it even if you have barriers.” Before becoming a police officer, Monique engaged in volunteer work, post-secondary graduate studies  and related employment. She was candid with our young moms in sharing that it took many years to complete her degree while working concurrently and balancing daily responsibilities. She encouraged our young moms to use available community resources to assist them in achieving their successes. With perserverance, Monique achieved her goal of becoming a police officer.  She imparted words of wisdom to our young moms to “be good to yourselves” and to “give yourself that chance.” As is illustrated by her own story, she told them, “Sometimes it will be hard and take a long time but you can do it!” To prepare any of our students interested in the field of policing, Monique brought with her application packages and described in detail the application and interview process they should expect. In her role as Youville Centre’s School Resource Officer, Monique and her partner S.R.O.s work directly with our centre and our young moms to keep our clients and their children safe. It was inspiring to witness Monique’s connection with our students and to hear her success story.

The next presenter was Darian Parsons, a Youville Centre alumna and currently a student in the Law Clerk program at Alonquin College. Darian gave our young moms a student’s eye view of the Law Clerk program and enlightened them on the realities of college life. Currently in her second year of the program, she will complete her diploma with a full-time, paid co-op placement at The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development this summer. She is looking forward to this valuable work experience. Darian offered some sage advice to our young moms regarding choosing their field of study: “Don’t choose your program based on hours or salary. Choose something you want to do. It will make you a lot more successful,” she told our young moms. Her daughter Sierra is 2.5 years old now, and Darian structures her day to do her school work during the day while her daughter is in daycare, which allows her to spend more quality time with her daughter in the early evenings. She also advised our students to look into ways to budget their O.S.A.P. funding to make sure they provide for themselves and their children in a stable, balanced way. She is grateful for the support but she reminded the students, “It’s scary because you have to pay it all back.” This candid advice was very valuable for our students to hear, especially from one of their peers who has gone before them along the journey and is enjoying success post-graduation. It is always valuable when alumnae can speak to our students about their experiences, and we are grateful to Darian for taking the time to come back and visit us.

Susan Lepine was next to offer her story as a Law Clerk at the firm Burn Tucker Lachaine. Accompanied by her colleague Valerie Lepage, Susan shared career tips and insights with our young moms. A law clerk since 1985, Susan described the duties of the job and explained that it provides an opportunity to work in many different fields including the corporate sector, the government, and for banks and insurance companies. Since her firm is a personal injury firm, she professed to the students that, “It’s a job where you have to be compassionate.” Susan also shared that she finds her job very rewarding. “At the end of the day, you’re happy because your client is happy.” Susan also explained to the students what it takes to become a law clerk and what skills are required: organizational skills, time management, multi-tasking, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and working  well under pressure.  Stating “I love my job”, Susan echoed both Monique and Darian’s advice: “You have to like what you do. Everyone can do what they put their mind to.”

Councillor

Councillor Marianne Wilkinson focused on her role as a community builder and reminded our young moms that they can pursue more than one career path in their lives.

 A self-described “community builder”, City Councillor Marianne Wilkinson (Kanata North Ward) was our final speaker at thisLunch ‘n Learn. Marianne used her relatable speaking style and personal stories of life and career to speak to our students about careers in municipal government and getting involved in their community. A mother of 3, Marianne had been volunteering in her community when she asked a friend, “Are you thinking of running for City Councillor?” and the friend said, “No, are you?” This unexpected answer from her friend got her thinking and she decided to go for it. She ran and was the first woman elected in her municipality. Marianne stressed to Youville’s young moms that law in municipalities underlies everything, and that these laws exist to protect city services and residents. Once the laws have been established, it is her role as a councillor to build community, which is what she did with the newly created recreation facility in her ward. She informed the students that a career as a Bylaw Officer could also be an option for them, and a stepping stone for anyone wishing to becoming a Police Officer. Councillor Wilkinson reminded the students, that their “dreams will change”, and that they should do something they like. They can have many different careers like she did, as before serving in her current role she was also a high school teacher, a Parks Canada employee, and she worked in the fields of real estate and non-profit. Stating that she “likes helping people to better their lives”, she has proven this fact many times, and she has hired two single-parent moms to work for her. She demonstrated that she understands the struggle to balance career and parenting, and she recommended that Youville’s young moms get out there and meet people: “The more people you meet, the more likely you are to get a job that you want.” It was a pleasure having Ms. Wilkinson as a part of this Lunch ‘n Learn to inspire and motivate our young moms toward their career goals.

We are grateful to each guest presenter who added value and discussion to our “Law and Municipal Government” Lunch ‘n Learn. Our students thank you!

Plans are underway to recruit mentors for our one-to-one mentoring program, slated to launch in the fall. If you are interested in applying, applications are due soon, and we would be happy to email you an application package. If you are interested, please contact us at communications@youvillecentre.org and we will send you an application package.

Mentorship Lunch ‘n Learn #2: Setting Goals & Finding Your Strengths

On Tuesday, November 26th, 2013, we hosted our second Mentorship Program Lunch ‘n Learn. The theme was “Setting Goals and Finding Your Strengths”, and we were fortunate to have three very special guests to help impart helpful guidance and information to Youville’s young moms. Guest presenters included Marlene Floyd, Director of Operations and Outreach for Justin Trudeau, and Co-Founder of Dress for Success Ottawa; Heidi Roberts, Corporate Coach and Facilitator at Spectrum Professional Coaching & Consulting; and Melissa Courchesne, Heidi’s friend and an alumna of St. Mary’s Home.

MarleneMarlene reminded Youville’s young moms to “think big and strive big”. Sharing stories of her upbringing and of how, even on a tight budget, her mom saved money for Marlene’s education, she told the students, “Education is why I’m here.” Her love of politics was inherited from her father, who supported her, in spite of others’ stereotypes about women in politics, when he would say: “You’re a girl, therefore you can do these things!” Since we met Marlene she has taken on a new role working for Justin Trudeau, and her story is living proof that goal-setting works. At 17 years of age she set a goal to work for the Prime Minister someday, and she realized this goal by the age of 26 working for then Prime Minister Paul Martin. Now continuing to live her passion working in politics again, Marlene reminded the students to not be afraid to ask for help along the journey.” She did just that when she co-founded Dress for Success Ottawa, a volunteer initiative close to her heart. “I set a goal and I found something that made me proud.” She built a team at Dress for Success, and she suggested that Youville’s young moms build their own team — family members, friends, Youville staff, mentors, anyone who can help them to achieve their goals. “No one expects you to acheive your goals by yourself”, she said. “Ask for help.” Marlene told the students, “You’re going to have setbacks, but you can set goals and make achievements that your children will be proud of.”

MelissaMelissa courageously shared her personal story of struggle and self-discovery with Youville’s young moms. Now a mother of three girls, Melissa got pregnant at 18 and was a client at St. Mary’s Home. She then got married and started working in a government job thinking both of those things would help create stability and security in her life. One day at work she broke down from emotional stress and pressure, as she was simply not happy with her life and where it was headed. This took her to a dark place where she even contemplated suicide. At that point, however, Melissa decided there was too much at stake and that she wanted a better life. “I chose to live”, she said. Melissa shared with the students an important lesson that she learned: “If I want to take care of others, I better take care of myself first.” One year later she is spending quality time with her girls, practicing yoga, and being a good example to everyone around her. “I know that I want to help others using my strengths”, she said, and she is doing just that using her powers of self-discovery to help others in that same process to learn how they can live their best life.

HeidiHeidi Roberts’ favourite quote is: “Be grateful for the life lessons that challenge you to dig deep. That’s where the gold lives.” (Cheryl Richardson). After sharing this quote with Youville’s young moms, she went on to tell her story and then lead everyone in an exercise to help identify their strengths. Having grown up with financial struggles and having been a victim of abuse, Heidi also became pregnant young, only she was in university at the time. Instead of being defeated, she saw it “as a chance to be a great mom.” Heidi asked her professors for help to be successful and they were all very supportive. Today, Heidi has two children and they are her catalyst to be the best example she can be. “My role as a mom became the most important rold I’ve ever played.” Working as a coach and consultant, Heidi brought her strengths to the Lunch & Learn in the form of an activity.

Card ActivityThe activity focused on identify strengths and setting goals. Each card represented a different strength, for example, “I am most effective in one-on-one conversations.” Students were encouraged to choose a card that represented one of their strengths. Then, they were to think of an issue or a problem that they are struggling with, and then start to think about how the strength on the card might help them with that issue. The final step was to set a goal in which your strength will help attack the problem. Youville’s students enjoyed the activity and all three speakers inspired and ignited our young moms to “strive big”, identify their strengths and set goals for a brighter future for themselves and their children. Many thanks to Marlene, Melissa and Heidi for sharing their stories and their strengths!

Heidi wanted to share a special message she sent to us after the event:

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to you and to the students and faculty of the Youville Centre. I was deeply touched by the active listening and engagement of all that were present. I was amazed at the commitment to learning and making a better life for themselves that the students demonstrated. The faculty that I spoke with are so incredibly committed to helping these students and I was struck by all that I witnessed and experienced. To the students: Thank you to each of you for making yourself available for the Strengths and Goal Setting Lunch and Learn. You stayed with me in spite of all of life’s distraction and I felt the respect that you were demonstrating by doing so! As we were discussing strengths during our time together, I really want to acknowledge the strengths that each of you have, of Commitment, Determination and Perseverance. Your continued presence at the Youville Centre demonstrates these strengths each time you show up to learn and grow. As a young mother, it is that very drive and determination that will help catapult you forward to the life you want to be living and creating for yourself and your young family. So keep going!!! (even when the snow is flying and it seems easier to stay home) I was struck by your acceptance of and openness to my presence and what I had to offer to you. I was also so touched by the pride you have in your beautiful children. It truly warmed my heart to meet each of you and I look forward to being able to get to know each of you on a more personal level. Until next time I wish you peace and love. ~Heidi

Youville Moms Attend National We Day!

We Day Logo via Free the Children

On Monday, April 29th, 2013, hundreds of students from all over the Ottawa area packed the Robert Guertin Arena for National We Day, a call to action for youth and a day of motivation, inspiration and fun, created by Marc & Craig Kielburger, activists and founders of Free the Children and Me to We.

From their website,

We Day is the signature experience: the movement of our time, bringing together a generation of youth to be engaged in changing the world through an inspirational event and yearlong educational program. The We Day movement lives online at weday.com, an online hub dedicated to educating, engaging and empowering a generation of socially-conscious youth.

We Day is an initiative of Free The Children, an international charity and educational partner that works with schools to implement the We Act program.

Thanks to the generosity of Free the Children and with the help of one of our loyal supporters (and her sister), four of our young moms from Youville Centre had the chance to attend!

It was a unique and eye-opening opportunity for our students to attend an exciting, inspiring event like this, and to hear many amazing guest speakers who touched on topics such as environmental conservation, bullying, leadership and giving back to your community through small acts of local and global kindness and volunteerism.Celebrity music acts included Shawn Desman, Neverest, Tyler Shaw, Kardinal Offishall, and Karl Wolf.  Actor and Activist Martin Sheen was the Keynote Speaker.

Each student who attends a We Day event must commit to one local, and one global act to make our world a better place. This commitment replaces any admission charges for the event. Our students look forward to brainstorming and planning their local and global acts in the upcoming 2013/2014 school year, so stay tuned to the blog for their progress!

Included in the lineup of speakers was a young man named Spencer West. He encouraged everyone in attendance to “redefine possible” and he was very inspirational. Please watch the video below for Spencer’s story.

I think we can all agree that Youville Centre moms are redefining what is possible in their own lives and for their children.  We are very proud of their bravery, hard work and commitment to creating a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Please enjoy a few reflections from the students who attended National We Day:

Reflections from National We Day

By: Youville Centre Students

Our impressions:

“I really liked how there was an Inuit speaker because I’m Inuit.
Just the fact that he was being heard was inspiring!”
~Tamera, age 18

“It was really informative about ways to change the world.”
~Jessica, age 17

It inspired us to think about our children:

“I want Mason (age 16 mos) to grow up in a peaceful universe.”
~Tamera, age 18

“As a mom that’s one of the things you worry about most is that
your child will be bullied.”
~Jessica, age 17

Quotes we loved:

“Never say I wish I would have”

“Change will not come if you’re waiting for somebody else”

Many thanks to Free the Children and to our Mentorship Program Task force for making this day possible!

As a follow up to our experience at We Day, Hannah from Free the Children volunteered her time to speak to our students about many of the themes discussed above.

Thank you, Hannah for your time and for inspiring us!