I’m sorry that I haven’t been doing much blogging since I’ve been back. I want to start posting more regularly so I’m going to start now!
Since I’ve been back I’ve been really busy with school, speaking, conferences, catching up with friends and a variety of other things. Plastic pollution awareness and Midway Atoll have stayed on the forefront of my mind as I’ve been telling the story to anyone who will listen. I’ve spoke to many service clubs in the Okanagan as well as high schools and elementary schools. I lovelovelove speaking to elementary schools. They are so enthusiastic about recycling and going green, every time I speak to one I feel refreshed and inspired.
As well as speaking I’ve been going to conferences and growing as a leader. I was lucky to be chosen as one of 24 grade 11 students to participate in the Minerva Learning to Lead conference at UBC about a month ago now. At this conference I was paired up with an emerging community leader and an established community leader. This weekend definitely changed my life. My triad was gracious to listen to my story and tell me what they saw in me. The weekend’s theme was focusing on your values and I learned a lot about what’s important to me. I went there thinking that my top values were family, love and honesty but during the weekend I learned that my values were not all that I thought them to be. I found that my new values are compassion, courage and integrity. These are quite different from my original three but I think that within them are my other values. Along with compassion comes love etc. The conference was so inspiring. It was great to meet the other 24 grade 11 leaders and I made friendships that will never die.
Right now is exam week in my school, so things are crazy stressful. I leave for Arusha, Tanzania in 25 days and I’m sooooo excited!!! I’m not sure how much I’ve said about this trip in my other posts so I’ll explain a bit now. My amazing leadership teacher Mrs. Richardson is taking 22 highschool students to work in an orphanage in Arusha via LOHADA. You can check out our blog here where you can make donations and see posts from each student on the trip. http://safariwangu.blogspot.com/
On top of this Africa trip, I decided that I would like to write a curriculum for grade 5 classes. This is going to educate young students about plastic pollution beyond what I can say in a 20 minute presentation. I will focus on three areas; the problem, the facts and how we can help/solve this problem. It’s my dream to reach as many students as I can though this. If you have any suggestions and/or questions please do not hesitate to reach me at Emily_chartrand@hotmail.com .
I'm also going to be presenting at the TEDx event happening here in Penticton. This is such a huge honour as I love TED and I know some amazing connections will be made here. I will be sharing the stage with Jan Vozenilek, which is also a great honour. The moment I first heard Jan speak it became my dream to be able to speak with him on this topic. So many amazing dreams of mine have been coming true this year, I'm so blessed.
