Delta Secondary School Grade 11 student Paisley McGill will be joining 150 high school students from across the country next March through Rotary's national Adventure in Citizenship program. Paisley is in her third year of membership in the Interact Club at the school, which Rotary Club of Ladner sponsors. Ladner Rotary will sponsor her to attend.
For the past 74 years Rotary's Adventure in Citizenship program has been providing what is now a four-day visit to our national capital of Ottawa to experience tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship.
Asked why she wanted to visit Ottawa as part of this program, she says: "I've been to quite a few leadership conferences before. I went to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award weekend retreat, on the Sunshine Coast) and I went to another conference last month. I think it's the community of people and the connections you make there which are so invaluable. It's a different feeling being in a room with, like like-minded people learning things with them that they really care about, and everyone cares about their education and their learning.
"Our Interact Club President Ava went to Adventure in Citizenship last year, and she mentioned getting to see the actual ceremony of people getting their citizenships, and I think that would be really, like, magical, to see if I did get to see that, because it's just so it's such an important moment for people."
"When I graduate, I plan to explore the world more. But I do want to get into post-secondary, and my dream is to go to McGill University, probably in Sciences."
Below are excerpts from Paisley's essay on “What does it mean to be a Canadian”
“Finding compromises that benefit the majority is what our government is built on. Our entire political structure is based on making people feel heard, giving them a sense of belonging. Our parliament is made up of 5 different political parties each with different policies but the same aspirations. The aspiration for Canada to strive in all aspects. Each party arguing on the behalf of their constituents. While not everyone holds the same values, our standards as a country under no circumstance restrict anyone's quality of life. Even the smallest parties have a say in nation-wide decisions.”
“The warmth of inclusion benefits people subconsciously. It is incredibly special to hold pride for a place even though it's not in your blood. For 95% of people Canadian isn't an ethnicity, it never was. It's something much deeper, more passionate. You are Canadian by becoming, through osmosis. With every drop of Maple Syrup, every bite of Poutine, every smile you share with a stranger, saying thank you or I’m sorry, even through the funny looks you receive saying toque or pop, helps solidify your Canadian-ness. The nationalism and loyalty to these lands is something so unusual but remarkably invaluable.”
“Not through yelling “we’re the best” but through the soft support of listening and watching fellow citizens when faced with the adversities of the outside world. Just by having that little maple leaf in your passport means we will stand by one another. We may not be connected by blood, but we are connected by the nurture and intentions our people exude.”
“…growing up in Canada is a privilege that millions would dream to obtain. The freedom of being yourself, and accepted, is something I take for granted. Everyone is entitled to feel supported, but it is truly a gift to receive the opportunities and benefits of being Canadian. Being Canadian means you are never alone, never without fellowship, never without protection. It also means providing these feelings back into your community and doing as much as you can without seeking repayment. There is a sense of Duty and Honour in that. Canada is built on trust, kindness, and support. Any great leader would take into account the weighted impact these actions have had on the outcome of Canada. To be Canadian is to be selfless and unified.”