BC Student Voice

October 2008

Looking at choices
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hoices count. This year, being a busy grade 12 student, choices have become more important. Reaching my final weeks of high school, I realize making choices and choosing my own destiny is crucial. Midway through high school you dont understand how endless the options are after high school, but at this point the array of options are overwhelming. You can study anything anywhere, travel, work, volunteer and the list goes on. With the right attitude you can choose a fulfilling life doing whatever your heart desires. Choices are more than just what the next step is, it can be how well you choose to treat the people around you, even if you dont know them. Like David Jang said people will react positively if you make the effort to connect with them. Choosing to treat people well will usually end pleasantly, so be nice! Remember to look people in the eyes and say their names and give people a chance. You choose your own destiny so make it count! Its sad to think that Student Voice is over. The memories I have created in my past four trips here have all been extremely pleasant and memorable. Im glad that I have had the opportunity to twice meet the Minister of Education, Shirley Bond. Its truly been a privilege to relay information directly to the Ministry of Education through Student Voice. Student Voice has challenged me twice to put together a student-led forum and collect information. Organizing these forums has taught me how to work harder than any other group I have belonged to. Ive gained organizational skills and Ill always remember all the happy, enthusiastic people. Thank you Student Voice, it has been great! Briana Craver, Grade 12 Carson Graham Secondary North Vancouver

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his was my first spring Student Voice meeting. Sarah Gentles I was happy to see many Grade 10 familiar faces, even if I had Bert Bowes Jr. Secondary only met them once. Its weird Ft. St. John that in a three-day period, I had learned to be friends with these people! I had missed them and this place and the feeling that my voice really mattered. But as joyous as this experience was, it was also a sad occasion as this year there was a graduating class of 25 students, 25 friends. These were people that had done their jobs as students to the fullest and were now heading out into the world. One question remained, would they be ready? Would I be ready? Even this scary thought made me smile. Because even as I looked over and saw my friends preparing for a huge lifestyle change, I knew they would be fine. They would have one thing once they graduated, moved out and left Student Voice, they would have their voice. They would always have the voice of reason, the voice of change. It would always be theirs and it made me realize no mater what, I would always have my Student Voice.

Students making their schools a better place Taking a stand for other students Understanding the needs of schools Dedicating time to improving the education system Evaluating the pros and cons of programs Noticing the need for change Teachers supporting their students so they can succeed Voicing opinions on improving school learning conditions Organizing local conferences Intense studying of the education system Caring about education Exciting others about education Michael Neil, Grade 12 Steveston-London Secondary Richmond

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s the next generation of leaders in this global community, Student Voice Sarah Gentles is an amazing program to Grade 10 empower students to make Bert Bowes Jr. Secondary their voice heard. I find it Ft. St. John absolutely fantastic, the amount of excitement and enthusiasm that radiates as we get together and discuss topics that will affect not only us but generations after us. I believe it is crucial that todays leaders, the politicians, teachers, advisors, etc. listen to us and consider our opinion. So often the world revolves around the men and women who have money or who have their hands in government. But we will have to live with the decisions they make. Therefore, we need to be listened to. We know what we want and we are bright, young and radical, desperate for change for the better. We need a world, not troubled by war, climate change, endangered species, unrest and depleted resources, but full of life, understanding, acceptance and awareness. I value Student Voice and realize that it is organizations such as this one that gives us the opportunities to make a difference and to strive for a better world, for us, and for future generations.

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Am I making the right choice Will my parents be proud Will my friends still value me Will I feel good about myself Will my mind be at ease Will everything be just as confusing or Will everything fall into place Never be afraid Just make a choice Take a risk And the rest will figure itself out Jasmine Tung, Grade 12 Bryne Creek Secondary Burnaby

Helping to create a better world

If there is anything I have gotten from these conferences it is the amazing friendships which I have gained and the knowledge and growth. I love coming here, meeting all the new people, reconnecting with the old people, and strengthening bonds and dont forget about the food. I love the knowledge that we as students are making a difference, and even though I am a small voice, when we all come here, we become a huge voice that makes a difference and this program proves to all of us that we are bigger than we think. It is an amazing opportunity, and I wish everyone could experience it. I am so glad that I was one of the select few who do get to experience it and cannot wait to come back in the fall. Thank you for everything you do to prove that we can do this. Marleesa Burdett, Grade 11 Chase Secondary The simple things in life are taken for granted. Everyday people need more stimulation and they forget beauty in life. Simple things with elegance and grace become a boring sitcom and people become numb to reality, or attitudes need to change, kids need to be running outside instead of playing video games hours at a time. School is a privilege and we take it for granted. We have become selfish to our country preventing us to help create change, we are consumed in ourselves. We need a wake-up call. We need to love our world and see beauty in the simple things, we need to help without being asked. We are the Grad class of 2008 and we can create change. I vow to help create a better world for me and the people to come. Kimberlie Friesen, Grade 12 Kalamalka Secondary Vernon

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tudent Voice has been a great experience, it was a Steffi Thomas, Grade 12 time to learn, have fun and Howe Sound Secondary experience. It was a forum Squamish filled with guest speakers, icebreakers, activities, discussions and of course food. This was my first and sadly last year to attend and it has been memorable. I learned a lot, and was given chances to become a true leader during the forum and when we went back to conduct our own forums, we were given amazing input. We had many topics to discuss and opportunities to state our opinions. The icebreakers really worked to get us going and to learn other peoples names and gave us a chance to socialize. It is a fun and enjoyable time. Student Voice is an wonderful opportunity for youth, it is a chance to let our voice be heard. I am truly thankful for this opportunity and will miss this memorable experience. Student Voice is truly quality leadership in education.

A wonderful thing

his is my final Student Voice meeting, and as Caitlin Sharp, Grade 12 it comes to a close, I reflect David Thompson Secondary on how it has changed me. Invermere Through its speakers, advisors and students this is a place where anyone is accepted. David Jang is an amazing speaker and person who everyone looks forward to hearing. He gives a message that makes you want to be a better person. His inspirational stories that demonstrate the simplicity of actions, in all their complexity, make these meetings full of variety and laughter. In between each meeting the people grow and change, yet we always are able to come together and have a good time and share our ideas. I will never forget my friends, memories and experiences at Student Voice. Thank you so much to Sharon, Linda and everyone else at BC Principals & Vice-Principals Association that makes Student Voice possible. You have created a wonderful thing.

Student Voice The Class of 08

BC Student Voice is published on occasion to celebrate the success of BC Student Voice through the assistance of the BC Principals & Vice-Principals Association
For information write: BC Student Voice, #200-525 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver V5Z 1K9 or call 604-689-3399 or email: [email protected]

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