The Ever- Changing Future

“The future you have, tomorrow, won't be the same future you had, yesterday.” - Chuck Palahnuick
 
Chuck Palahnuik, American novelist and  freelance journalist, is most recognized for his award winning novel that was also made into a feature film, Fight Club. 

As a grade twelve student I feel very pressured, needing to make huge decisions that will impact my future. Everything is at such a fast pace and I have different feelings toward my future each day. As Chuck Palanuik expresses, our conception and idea of our future changes constantly. One day you think you finally have your life figured out, than the next you're back to square one. I need to accept that this is just a part of growing up. Different factors may alter our future aspirations, but they should never stop us from doing what we love. You are just shaped into a stronger person being able to work with what life throws at you. This quote speaks out the most to me because at this point in my life, I change my mind almost every day. Wondering what school, program and lifestyle would be the best for me is extremely stressful. I just wish someone would choose the perfect career for me and make me successful, but I know that is definitely not how it works. I think I need to take a step back from this craziness and calm down. Every day is different. We can't change the present, but the future is a completely different story. I am going always think of this quote so I never loose sight in the whirlwind of my future, and to understand that the future is mine to discover along the way.  

Inspiring Couple Days At Lourdes

        In my opinion, Romeo Dallaire was indeed the most powerful and influential recipient of the National Leadership Award. Being a man with a great deal of emotional, physical and mental pain from his time in Rwanda, he could have easily resided close to this subject while speaking to Lourdes. Instead of talking solely about the devastating time in his life, he gave us the option to educate ourselves about his past, wanting to bring upon more of an inspiring message for the future. His heartfelt speech touched my heart, encouraging our generation to travel to developing countries and to get some "foreign dirt on your boots." I am going on the 2015 mission trip to Nicaragua this January and am so grateful to have the opportunity to help the oppressed and less fortunate. Romeo Dallaire expresses that nothing is far away anymore and we are the generation without borders. It is our duty, as the affluent population to be humanitarians and to share our wealth. I had the privilege to meet with Romeo Dallaire and shared with him of my upcoming trip. He explained to me that travelling to these third world countries, enduring the daily struggles of the natives and spreading peace and community, is exactly what not only they need, but us as well. He stated that, "no human is more human than any other," and that we should all seek the respect for humanity. I left that assembly with only positive things to say and my head held high. I still cannot believe our school had the honor to meet such an amazing figure in history. He is the type of person we should all aspire to be like.

         The following day, our school followed the tradition of going to the Sleeman Centre for the Remembrance day Ceremony. Remembrance Day is a very special day for myself and my family, having two of my grandparents serve for Canada in WW2. I have heard Dr. Bill Winegard speak at Lourdes the previous years alongside my grandmother, but this year's speech spoke more out to me. Bill Winegard, similar to Romeo Dallaire, spoke to us as a generation that has the power to change the future. He strongly discussed the aftermath of war for the soldiers, struggling with mental heath issues, suicides and Canada's role in these tragedies. The Canadian government asks of its country to help fight in the war, but when their time is finished, these soldiers are left to battle their inner war on their own. I believe the Canadian government should support these soldiers and treat them like the heroes they truly are. They are risking their lives for others and our country, returning with physical and mental problems that should most definitely be addressed. The infamous remembrance day slogan, "Lest We Forget," is a phrase we should actually mean when saying. Winegard reminds us to remember the soldiers and to care for them. Even though war might not be a reality in our everyday lives, it was/is for them.

Missing the Old Halloween

     I would definitely consider myself as a Halloween enthusiast. There is nothing I love more than coming home from school and being welcomed by a plump pumpkin, waiting to be carved. As the Halloween decorations come out, I can't help but jump up and down with my anticipation. I need to watch AMC Fear Fest every night, go into as many haunted houses as possible, and buy/eat as much Halloween candy as my bank account and body will let me. There is one thing however that I can't stand about Halloween now, and miss from my childhood.
        I miss the simplicity of Halloween. I miss trick- or- treating with my dad and sister, filling our pillow cases to the brim. I miss wearing costumes for my own satisfaction, not caring what others think. I'd love nothing more than going to school in my crazy over-the- top zombie princess costume, scaring myself when I look in the mirror. Nowadays, if you aren't dressing as a trashy zombie princess, and found at the right party you're looked right over and basically laughed at. The infamous movie "Mean Girls", clearly explains this ordeal that girls all over the world can relate to. Karen, dressed as a skimpy mouse is asking Caddy why she is dressed so scary. Caddy, dressed as a vampire bride responds, It's Halloween. Let's keep Halloween scary and fun and CLASSY. Let's relive our childhood and try to see Halloween as we used to. The best holiday of the year.