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.

Second the best (so far!)

Well, as I sit here and reflect on the days activities I can't help but smile. Today was just as amazing as yesterday, and some parts were even better! To start off the day we reflected on the previous day and learned about what we would be doing today. After that we heard from our second speaker, John McCall MacBain. It was amazing to know that so many people cared about sustainability! After that we attended either the decision making or the sustainability core session, and, since I attended the former yesterday I attended the latter today. I learned about the main ideas/"pillars" of sustainability. Then, of course, we had lunch, which was just as amazing as the previous two days (thanks to the amazing cafeteria staff at UBC Totem Park Cafeteria!). After lunch we headed to our second day of IBWSc Concurrent Sessions. Today I had the Marine Sustainability session, followed by the "Hungry Games". I thoroughly enjoyed the Marine session as I am an avid follower of the ongoing events that happen in the ocean and I am aspiring to be a Marine Biologist. After this I attended the "Hungry Games". It was about making healthy food choices and how UBC makes sustainable food choices that appeal to everyone. Following this we had our second GAT team metting and talked about our CAS project that will be presented at the end of the week. Next was the second day of the IBWSC World Cup. My team, named after the Calgary Flames, kicked butt once again, in both trivia and soccer. We are definitely hoping to obtain the coveted World Cup. After this we had dinner, followed by either a singing or drumming session. I attended the singsong session, and all I can say is wow. Just... Wow. I am truly humbled by the amazing talent from across the world, and I am amazed at the power that comes through simple songs which mean a lot to their respective cultures. I learned a lot about various things today and I hope to learn even more tomorrow! Good night for now!

First Day Additions

Just a couple of short things: First, CIRS stands for Centre for Interactive (not Innovative) Research on Sustainability. Secondly, John Robinson's replacement for the lecture was Alberto Cayuela, his colleague.

The first day

Well, it's 10:07 PM here in Vancouver, and boy, am I tired! After a long day of many exciting and fun activities it is good to reflect upon what I've learned so far, and also what I've experienced. Today we all were we'll rested and ready for the day! We started in the CIRS building (Centre for Innovative Research on Sustainability(I think)), and we were warmly welcomed to the conference. After that, we were supposed to hear from John Robinson, but, alas, he was called out suddenly and couldn't make it. So, instead, we heard from his colleague. I have his name written down somewhere in my notebook... Anyways, after that we had our first Global Action Team meeting in the Swing Building (not filled with actual swings). It was amazing hearing the many different voices and opinions from around the world on various matters! I am truly amazed with the IB programme's outreach across the world! After that, we had lunch, and then went to either the Decision making talk or the Sustainability talk (we get to attend the opposite one tomorrow). I went to the Decision one, and it turns out that all of us IBs are making great sustainable ideas to help make cities around the world a better place (not just less bad). After that we all got to attend our various IB Concurrent sessions, which change everyday. Mine was a tour of the CIRS building, North America's #1 Green Building. After that we either attended a soccer game or did a scavenger hunt. I did the scavenger hunt and had an amazing time with two IB students from around the world! After that we went for dinner. Then we got to go to the UBc Botanical Garden (basically a mini rainforest). We got to watch across the canopies of the trees on a precarious (but safe) rope/metal bridge. I, for one, will admit that it was nerve-wracking, but, ultimately, fun. After that we headed back to Totem Park, our residence during our stay. We got some free time, so I tried to walk to the pool. Emphasis on the word 'tried'. I found Shoppers on Campus, which was nice, and a Starbucks, but I got lost. I ran around the campus looking for Totem Park. I found it eventually, but I will never forget the fact that I can easily get lost. Next time I'll head out with a friend. Anyways, the shower is calling me from afar, so I must answer. Have a good night!

Woohoo!!

Well, here I am in the Toronto Pearson International Airport. And, boy, am I ever excited! I woke up today at 4:30 AM to double check my suitcase and catch a taxi to the Thunder Bay Airport, which I flew out of at 6:43 (due to a fuel error). Anyways, as I was re-reading the schedule for the conference, I couldn't help but think that I had forgotten something. And, lo and behold, it turns out that I have forgotten my rain jacket!! I usually forget at least one thing on any of the trips or excursions which I take. Hopefully the weather will hold out! Anyways, I will see you all in a few short hours and I hope to become friends with all of you who are attending this conference!

Woohoo!

Hooray, less than a week until I have the best time of my life! I'm very thankful for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to the awesome week that awaits me in Vancouver. Also, I'm looking forward to connecting with a couple of my friends who are in Vancouver too!

Excitement!

Hooray! Only a few more days until I hop on the plane to join my fellow IB peers from around the world at UBC! I'd like to extend another thank you to everyone, from my parents to my IB Counsellor, who have helped, and to the IB Staff from around the world for helping me to become a part of this experience. I will post from UBC about my adventures, and will continue to post throughout my final year of IB as my adventure comes to a close.

So Excited!!!

Hi There! My name is Adam, and I am a Grade 11 IB Student at Sir Winston Churchill C.V.I. in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.  Throughout the last year or so I have reading all about the IB World Student Conference being held in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia campus.  As I aspire to attend this university, I thought that it would be a great idea to attend.  In addition, when I heard that I could apply for a scholarship, I immediately jumped at the chance!  A few weeks later, I received word that I had been accepted as a candidate!  As the date of departure is slowly but surely arriving, I'd like to extend my thanks, once again, to the IB World Student Conference staff and to the IB Board of Directors for giving me this opportunity to learn about the world from various global students and to learn about sustainability.  Furthermore, I'd like to thank my school and my IB Coordinator for helping me in my journey.  While attending this conference, I hope to meet many new people and learn many new things, which I am sure I will accomplish.  I will be writing here while I am at the conference, and afterwards, too, as I share my knowledge with my peers in Thunder Bay.  Thank you for reading!