Friday, April 27, 2012

And so the student becomes the teacher!


I’M DONE! I cannot believe that I have actually finished my university degree! I can now proudly write Shannon Robertson, B.Ed on anything I want! I feel so happy and blessed to be able to have a higher education and I truly believe that education is the most important thing in the world.
The Millennium Development Goals are so important to me not only because of the importance of reaching them, but also because of the work done at the Young Women’s World Forum in 2010. Achieving Universal Primary Education is something that must be completed by 2015 and once that happens, a lot of the other MDGs will simply fall into place. When there is universal education gender equality will be more attainable because boys and girls will have the same access to education. People will be more educated and therefore know more about preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Being educated usually means getting a better job so poverty and hunger could rapidly decrease around the world. There are so many incredible benefits to having an education and I know that I am biased because I have chosen to become an educator, but honestly I believe that there is nothing more important than having an education.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.
B.B. King
 
 

Sunday, April 15, 2012

100 Years Later

My favourite historical event is the sinking of the Titanic that happened 100 years ago as of this morning. I have heard the sinking described as t most fantastical, dramatic story you could ever think of that actually happened. There are so many elements involved in the story that still fascinate the world even a century later. I have read hundreds of books on the Titanic and the human stories move me every time. Now I do have a point to this fan girl gushing and it is that in tragedies like the sinking of the unsinkable ship the nature of the human spirit really comes out. I love reading books and watching movies that show the different reactions of the people on the Titanic on that fateful Sunday night whether they be like Benjamin Guggenheim who “dressed in his best and was prepared to go down like a gentleman” or J. Bruce Ismay, the owner of the White Star Line who bailed in a life boat and regretted his decision for the rest of his life. There were also people like Ida and Isador Straus who refused to be separated after several years of marriage. All of these stories make me wonder what I would do in a situation like this- what reaction would I have in such a tragic situation. It makes me a little bit sick to even think about it because I do not know what I would do. Even though the Titanic was a terrible tragedy where over 1500 people lost their lives there was some good that came out of it- changing maritime law to make sure that there are enough lifeboats for everyone, and breaking down social barriers from the Edwardian era between first, second, and third class. This may seem completely irrelevant to this blog but I just felt like it had to be celebrated- or at least remembered.

 

Monday, April 2, 2012

Alberta Girls` Parliament 2012... in pictures!

Alberta Girls' Parliament 2012!
First Under the Dome Session where the Parliamentarians taught the girls all about public speaking!


Inside the beautiful Alberta Legislature- always a highlight of AGP!
Official group photo (without me) on the steps of the Legislature

Sitting on the floor of the House in the world's comfiest chairs!
Learning the story of the first mace of Alberta.

The delegates inside the Premier's office.

The outside of the Alberta Legislature on a bright and sunny day.

A highlight of the Leg tour- the Legoslature! This model is made entirely of Lego!

Practicing the opening with the Speaker, LG, and Secretary.

Dr. Raj Sherman, leader of the Alberta Liberal Party came to speak to the girls and was a favourite highlight of the event.
An informal discussion with Dr. Sherman
One of the delegates being interviewed by CTV news.
Group photo with Leslie Penny, our honourary Lieutenant Governor for the opening of the 41st Session of Alberta Girls' Parliament.
The debating power of the opposition!

The girls are in a heated debate all about making teachers contractually obligated to provide extra curricular activities for students.

Debrief after one of the debates and information on the election process for next years executive.

Embroidery thread ready for friendship bracelet making!

Making friendship bracelets for the Send them to Sangam challenge.

One of my favourite quotes of all time- it is so powerful!
Great quote by J.K Rowling!

Guide's Own labyrinth with tape on the floor and the inspirational quotes on the ground.

Group Photo with Alberta Council
Provincial Commissioner Margaret Utgoff sharing her words of wisdom at the banquet.
Group photo with Heather Klimchuk, our honourary Lieutenant Governor