My interest in education and nurturing the next generation probably started years ago when I was a Girl Guide leader. Part of me thought back then that I just liked to be bossy.
There was one moment, during a weekend camping trip, where I saw the light in a girl's eyes and I knew that this was a feeling that I wanted to witness again. She was a small little blond girl, 9 years old and while very out going and precarious, she was terrified of fire.
All the girls had to try and light the stoves by lighting matches at least once as part of the tasks to compelete their 'Overnight Camp Trip'. And this girl was petrified. So, I helped a little. I showed her how to do it. We practiced with wood and then got ready for the real thing.
I could see the fear in her eyes and yet there was a determination. She was GOING to do it, even if she was completely convinced that she wouldn't.
And then she did. On the first match try. And the look on her face was one of beaming accomplishment. And for the rest of the weekend, you could hear her voice loud and clear whenever it was time to light the fire 'I'LL DO IT!! I CAN DO IT!! LET ME DO IT!!'
The satisfaction of being part of that moment for her was very exhilarating.
Being in Korea gave me that opportunity every day, especially watching the kindergartens. These little people, first time away from their moms and dads, and seeing how they coped, learned, adapted, interacted, grew, learned - incredible.
And this long ramble is actually leading to a poignant column I read today in the Globe and Mail. One that I think needs to get out there and have more people be angry by this.
Because it angered me.
IOC sinks to new low by severing ties with charity
I've seen how empowering extracurricular activities can be for young children and how they take those lessons with them everywhere.
What the IOC agreed to was clearly out of greed and not really for any other purpose, certainly not for the purpose of bringing different nations together, to be together on a common ground.
But wait, what are the Olympics for now anyway?
There was one moment, during a weekend camping trip, where I saw the light in a girl's eyes and I knew that this was a feeling that I wanted to witness again. She was a small little blond girl, 9 years old and while very out going and precarious, she was terrified of fire.
All the girls had to try and light the stoves by lighting matches at least once as part of the tasks to compelete their 'Overnight Camp Trip'. And this girl was petrified. So, I helped a little. I showed her how to do it. We practiced with wood and then got ready for the real thing.
I could see the fear in her eyes and yet there was a determination. She was GOING to do it, even if she was completely convinced that she wouldn't.
And then she did. On the first match try. And the look on her face was one of beaming accomplishment. And for the rest of the weekend, you could hear her voice loud and clear whenever it was time to light the fire 'I'LL DO IT!! I CAN DO IT!! LET ME DO IT!!'
The satisfaction of being part of that moment for her was very exhilarating.
Being in Korea gave me that opportunity every day, especially watching the kindergartens. These little people, first time away from their moms and dads, and seeing how they coped, learned, adapted, interacted, grew, learned - incredible.
And this long ramble is actually leading to a poignant column I read today in the Globe and Mail. One that I think needs to get out there and have more people be angry by this.
Because it angered me.
IOC sinks to new low by severing ties with charity
I've seen how empowering extracurricular activities can be for young children and how they take those lessons with them everywhere.
What the IOC agreed to was clearly out of greed and not really for any other purpose, certainly not for the purpose of bringing different nations together, to be together on a common ground.
But wait, what are the Olympics for now anyway?
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