Monday 26 September 2016

Inspired By a Dying Man

Inspired by a Dying Man
By Emma Heller
Here’s a man who stands on stage
Here’s a man who sparkles in glitter
Here’s a man who bears his soul

We are looking to you for answers
Is it coming through your instruments?
Is it coming through your song?
Is it coming through your heart?

Does he see his life so limited?
Does he see a life well lived?

I see a man whose life is limited
I see a man whose life is well lived

When he is gone, how will he remembered?
As a man who lived life to the fullest

Or as a man whose life was taken



Almost nine months ago, Gord Downie, head singer of the Tragically Hip, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a form of aggressive and incurable brain cancer. Downie underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation in hopes to prolong his life. Since then, obviously, he's endured a lot of difficult times, and he had been fighting hard," the band said in a letter to fans. These past nine months have probably been the worst months of Gord Downie’s life. Yet, he continues to perform, continues to enlighten his fans with his touching music, continues to pursue his dreams. Gord Downie not only inspired people through his music, but he inspired people through his perseverance in a difficult time. Downie inspired Canadian’s to open up about glioblastoma, and cancer in general. Downie inspired millions and he inspired me. I want to follow my dreams, and after seeing what Gord Downie has accomplish, I feel is necessary to not give into difficulties or obstacles. Gord Downie certainly did not. 

Thursday 22 September 2016

I am a Leader Because...

What defines a leader? The definition of a leader is someone who “leads or commands a group, organization, or country” Yet, there is so much more to being a leader than just setting forth commands. A leader must display integrity, loyalty, honesty and respect. The lessons throughout my life have helped form my leadership qualities. I acknowledge the importance of possessing these qualities and strive to excel in these defined areas. I believe as a leader I must inspire others not only through words, but through my actions. I must maintain focus so that my goals may be achieved. I must instill confidence in those around me by setting an example by adhering to my values and beliefs.
As President Ronald Reagan once said, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” Inspirational leadership is about creating a sense of purpose and direction among those you are leading while instilling excitement and momentum for change. An inspiring leader is someone who communicates clearly and concisely and by doing so motivates people to give their best at all times. A leader who wishes to inspire others must challenge others by setting high yet attainable standards and expectations. They must also provide others with the support and resources to pursue those goals. I believe to inspire other I must be inspired myself. I have to have a true passion and belief that the goals I am working towards are meaningful and will make a difference in someone’s life.  For example, last year our school decided to raise money and items for a women’s shelter. Initially, students were not involved or participating. I believe it was because, for them, it was just a women’s shelter. They felt no connection to those within the shelter, thus were not motivated or inspired to help out. It was not until I decided to take students out into the community, that they truly felt inspired. Knocking on the doors of neighbours and listening to their worldly advice allowed for the students to become insightful of the possible situations that some of these women may have endured. It often takes someone to teach you rather than to preach to you, for you to become inspired.
The definition of focus is having or producing a clear visual definition. Extraordinary leaders are those who plan ahead and are supremely organized. Organization, I must say, is definitely one of my strong suits. “They think through multiple scenarios and the possible impacts of their decisions, while considering viable alternatives and making plans and strategies-all targeted toward success.” Once a common goal is in sight, rules, strategies and routines are all established.  I could use a famous quote here, however, I believe a comment on my first report card would suffice, “ Emma is extremely organized and goal-oriented.” A quick peek at my calendar, both school and personal, will reveal my astute organization skill set. I have watched my parents hold down careers while also taking care of three rambunctious children, and never missing a soccer practise, horse riding lesson or spelling bee once. They have passed on their organizational skills that have allowed them to participate fully in their professional careers and children's’ lives while also giving the family freedom and spontaneity. Not only are organizational skills fundamental in being a great leader, but being goal-oriented is a necessity too.  I have a goal-go to medical school- I have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan XYZ. I realise that to attain anything in life, you have to strive towards a goal. I am a true believe of setting the bar high. People may say by setting the bar so high, I will get disappointed easily. However, I have found that even if I do not achieve that high standard, I have still attained something great.
I believe confidence is gained through taking measured risks. By this I mean don't belly flop off a 30ft cliff at 8 years old when nobody's watching. Throughout my life, my parents and school have created situations where I have either pushed myself out of my comfort zone. In the motivational drawing of Shauna Pollock, to step outside your comfort zone is where the magic will happen. I believe that confidence is contagious. Confidence inspires confidence, when a leader is confident, they instil confidence among their people. “When challenged, they don't give in too easily, because they know their ideas, opinions, and strategies are well-informed and the result of much hard work.” Confidence is nothing but sheer belief in your abilities or credentials.


To be a leader, one must exhibit many qualities, from loyalty to ambition to communication. I believe as a leader, you need to have a little bit of everything and remember that “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.” -Nelson Mandela

Tuesday 20 September 2016

Embrace Your Inner Genius

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”- Jane Goodall.
Throughout my life, I have always had goals both realistic and some totally out of this world. From wanting to skydive from the edge of the atmosphere to becoming a paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, my goals have always been laid out. However, I want to attain these goals not just for myself, but for others in order to help shape our future and make an impact. I want to teach this world something. I want to teach this world that it is okay to be smart, to embrace your inner genius.
Since when has being smart been a bad thing? Well, all these Hollywood movies that depict smart people as nerds and geeks who lack all social skills and are boringly studious definitely do not help the case. Socialisation is important, but it should not come at the expense of your schooling. People have become so in tune to the idea that it's better to be popular and dumb rather than smart and have a smaller friend group. But who says you cannot have both?
Get good grades and have as many friends as you want, but do not limit yourself. Do not trade out the intelligence that can help change the world for people who may come and go. You can change the world; you can make an impact. Never once have I been afraid to be the first with my hand in the air during a lesson. Never once have I been afraid to look nerdy while my head in stuck inside a textbook. Never once have I been afraid to embrace my inner genius. That is what I will teach the world, that they should not feel afraid or judged to be smart, to embrace their genius. If you have the answer, raise your hand. If you want to learn quantum physics, grab a textbook. If you want to be smart and successful, well, be smart and successful.
There are endless possibilities to what you can do if you put your mind to it. You could cure cancer, be the first human on Saturn, discover a new species, solve the theory of everything. There are more people than you know that want to see you flourish and succeed, myself included. Hence, why I always try my best to encourage learning, encourage people to strive to be their best self. Girls, do not let anyone tell you that you cannot go into science just because you’re a girl. Boys, do not let anyone tell you that you cannot become a ballerina just because its not masculine. If that is where your passion lies, then follow your passion and do what you need to do to succeed.
This world needs people who are willing to think outside their comfort zone, to challenge the impossible, to embrace their inner genius.