Life is Change, People is Change

Hey everyone! My name is Emma, and I am a Grade 9 student at St. Theresa of Lisieux. Yesterday, I had the pleasure to attend Illuminate x Markham’s regional conference. Here are my takeaways and applications from what I learned.

To me, Alina’s Career Panel response stood out to me the most. I was able to take away her heavy emphasis on social entrepreneurship relying on relationships and an adaptable mindset. We must first establish a neutral ground with others before we exert influence and become approachable leaders. Moreover, being an active listener and learner is crucial to developing a dynamic relationship with other people. In my life, I always feel the need to compare myself academically to others. After Alina's wisdom and advice, I now know that I must put aside this over-achieving and competitive mindset, and take the courage to approach others first.

Mash’s keynote presentation also provided me with a practical way to change my approach towards other people. I need to place myself in uncomfortable situations where I might be internally begging for a brick to hit and bury me thirty feet underground due to nervousness and humiliation, but also to find courage to build relationships with others. That nervousness or humiliation might in turn have those feelings motivate me to develop professionalism and adaptability.

As I continue through my high school journey, I aim to apply these takeaways in any kind of Council Interviews, Case Studies for DECA, or when meeting my classmates for the first time!

Finally, a huge thank you and shout out to Aricia C! She introduced me to Illuminate x Markham and provided me with such an insightful and reflective conference to attend!