A new year

Hey everyone! I hope that all of our IB deadlines don't cause too much stress, and I'm excited to write exams soon!

CAS Activities

During my first month and a half of school, I've done a couple of things towards my CAS hours. Firstly, I volunteered at my local pool helping to teach the children swimming lessons, which I found was a really cool way to do my service hours as I was helping to teach a great life skill while having fun at the same time. Secondly, I helped out my sister's Girl Guide unit by helping to sell their fall cookies, which helps to fund the various activities which they do throughout the year. All in all, I've been pretty busy in my last year of IB, but it's been fun so far!

Pictures!

Wrapping it up

Well, it's been over a week, and what can I say? I miss everyone that I met, but I know that they all are having a great rest of the summer, as am I. My experiences at the conference will live wi me forever; from the flight down, the arrival in Vancouver, the canopy climb, waking up at 6:30 to get to breakfast early, hearing from amazing people, seeing amazing creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium, swimming in the ocean, and, overall, living life to its fullest while learning how to save our future. Periodically I will be updating my blog with info on my CAS activities, and I'd like to send out a last thank you to everyone who helped me get here. You know who you are, and you now know how much I owe my thanks to each and every one of you. I will be seeing some of you, but to those who I won't see, have an amazing life, and I hope that you continue to make conferences like this so that other IB students will have the chance to experience the magic of friendship and knowledge.

...Our last day

Well, here it all ends. Well, this part of the adventure at least. This morning we woke up and, after breakfast, heard from our last speaker, Paul Nicklen, a photographer from National Geographic. After that we went to our final GAT meeting and finished up our projects. Then we had lunch, and we all talked about the various things that we've enjoyed throughout the week. Then we had our Global Village, which was the GAT groups presenting their projects/videos. It was very cool hearing from our peers! After that we had the IB World Cup Finals. My team, named after the Calgary Flames, won overall. It was pretty cool!! Lastly, we headed to the Spanish Banks, where I dunked my hole body into the ocean for the first time. I've grown so much over these past few days, and I'm confident that everybody else has, too. The next part of my journey begins when I get back home and spread sustainability there. Hopefully I can give my community the backing it needs to help improve our Earth little by little until the great change comes into view. Have a wonderful trio back home to everyone who is going a long way, and, even if you aren't leaving, have a wonderful life, and bring change to the world!

Whew, Busy 4th Day

Well, I'm running on empty so I will blog fast and expand tomorrow. Today we heard from Robert Winson, a former UBC student, then we attended our GATmeetings. After lunch we went to Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium(!), which was the highlight of my day. After a picnic dinner we danced on a harbor cruise and had a lot of fun. Good night for now!

3rd Day from the Start

Well, today was amazing! Hearing Severn Cullis-Suzuki speak was as amazing as it was informative. We all gave her a standing ovation after she spoke and we all had the chance to ask her questions. After that we had our last day of IB concurrent activities. I learnt about the impact of fisheries and how to sustain our marine environment. After this we went to lunch and had the chance to hear about UBC admissions. After this, we heard from Quinn Runkle, a sustainability activist who attends UBC. It was also a pleasure hearing her speak then we went to our third day of GAT activities. Then, we had the chance to either play soccer or create a banner and cheer for our final day on Friday. I helped with the banner and cheer and I can't wait to present it at the Final IBWSCworld cup game. Then we went to dinner. After that, we watched the Kutapira drummers and we all danced to their sweet music. I requested Daft Punk, and, luckily, they knew their song called 'Around the World'. It was quite fitting for this conference. After that myself and my friend Eric went to the pool here. It was quite awesome, and we saw other people there too. Now, as I sit here blogging this, I can't help but realize the fact that I have been touched by hearts from around the world. All of our hearts beat in unison now, and we will never be the same again, which, of course, is a great thing.