Dear Journal,
I am remarkably confused and stressed in regards to my future. Next September marks the beginning of senior year, which is a major life changing period for a seventeen year old like myself. There are countless significant decisions to be made, involving course selection, post secondary institutions, scholarships, and career pathways Since these options bear great importance, there is a major fear of making an incorrect choice. Personally I do not know what the future holds, nor what I want, which increases the difficulty of the decision making process. But taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, has certainly aided in revealing what the next chapter in my life holds.
This past academic year, I have been presented with the marvelous opportunity to be a page, during the Sixty Fifth General Sitting of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. The page program grants high school students with the opportunity to watch first hand how laws and decisions are made in our province. While comprehending the work of all members and employees of the legislative assembly, at the same time assisting legislative members with daily duties, and requests.
In October, the school daily announcements stated that “if any students were interested in working as a page for the Legislative Assembly to contact Mr. Mulligan”, the principal. As busy as I was, I completely ignored the message, mainly because I did not know what a page was. On the other hand, my over-involved mother read the announcement, and as soon as I walked through the door after school that day, I was interrogated by her. “Did you see the announcements today?” and “Were you talking to Mr Mulligan?” were two of the profuse amount of questions I was asked before I could even spit a word out of my mouth. The following day, I was compelled to discuss my interest in being a page to our principal, who already knew I wanted to be engage due to the conversation he had earlier that day with my controlling mother. A few days later, I was informed that I was going to be representing Kensington Intermediate Senior High at the Legislative Assembly as a page.
The following week, I missed my last two classes to attend an orientation for the Page Program. Anxious feelings filled my mind during the commute, not knowing what to expect. Hours were spent that morning curling the perfect curl, caking on a flawless face, and choosing the suitable outfit. The time was here, I had to put on my big girl pants, and walk up the steps of the George Coles Building. After being greeted by a doorman and multiple security guards, I was directed into a grand room with all the members seats; the official chamber. In each of the seats, there was a teenager just like me, with a similar overwhelming gaze on their face. That next hour consisted of congratulatory speeches, readings of duties plus regulations, and words of wisdom from various high ranking individuals.
As I was sitting in the Premier’s seat, surrounded by thirteen others my age in awe of what was happening, I glared around the room judging my soon to be fellow coworkers, noticing that we all seemed to be completely different; the diversity in that chamber was astonishing. Confusion was running through my mind, as I was unsure how we were going to connect, as we were all so unique. Surprisingly, it was not long until we got to know one another. From this experience, I have gained remarkably close friends whom I would have never previously imagined myself talking to. I also realized that it does not matter how unique you are compared to others, it should not negatively affect the relationship. I am now more aware and conscious of how I treat unfamiliar people, as someday, those strangers could be someone meaningful in my life.
Being exposed to numerous heated questions periods, I was able to understand the struggles that Islanders face. Also, seeing how difficult the job of a politician truly is, and the challenges they endure. Throughout this prodigious opportunity, I was able to increase my knowledge and awareness for various political issues on our island. Being immersed in this passionate atmosphere, made me realize that I have a love for the powerful political environment. This experience has given me a realization and an idea of what my future could entitle, also it has altered the way in which I act and think. In addition to making connections with many high ranking people, I also bonded with new friends. Politics now are a huge interest of mine. It also has given me a goal to try and reach later in life.
At the beginning, one man repeatedly stressed to us how “fortunate” and “privileged” we are to be able to partake in this “once in a lifetime opportunity”. None of us fresh pages understood the severity of what he meant until we actually began working. Now, I am overly grateful that I listened to my mother that crisp October afternoon, if not I would have missed out on this incredible opportunity, I do not know where I would be today.
-Carleigh
I am remarkably confused and stressed in regards to my future. Next September marks the beginning of senior year, which is a major life changing period for a seventeen year old like myself. There are countless significant decisions to be made, involving course selection, post secondary institutions, scholarships, and career pathways Since these options bear great importance, there is a major fear of making an incorrect choice. Personally I do not know what the future holds, nor what I want, which increases the difficulty of the decision making process. But taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, has certainly aided in revealing what the next chapter in my life holds.
This past academic year, I have been presented with the marvelous opportunity to be a page, during the Sixty Fifth General Sitting of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. The page program grants high school students with the opportunity to watch first hand how laws and decisions are made in our province. While comprehending the work of all members and employees of the legislative assembly, at the same time assisting legislative members with daily duties, and requests.
In October, the school daily announcements stated that “if any students were interested in working as a page for the Legislative Assembly to contact Mr. Mulligan”, the principal. As busy as I was, I completely ignored the message, mainly because I did not know what a page was. On the other hand, my over-involved mother read the announcement, and as soon as I walked through the door after school that day, I was interrogated by her. “Did you see the announcements today?” and “Were you talking to Mr Mulligan?” were two of the profuse amount of questions I was asked before I could even spit a word out of my mouth. The following day, I was compelled to discuss my interest in being a page to our principal, who already knew I wanted to be engage due to the conversation he had earlier that day with my controlling mother. A few days later, I was informed that I was going to be representing Kensington Intermediate Senior High at the Legislative Assembly as a page.
The following week, I missed my last two classes to attend an orientation for the Page Program. Anxious feelings filled my mind during the commute, not knowing what to expect. Hours were spent that morning curling the perfect curl, caking on a flawless face, and choosing the suitable outfit. The time was here, I had to put on my big girl pants, and walk up the steps of the George Coles Building. After being greeted by a doorman and multiple security guards, I was directed into a grand room with all the members seats; the official chamber. In each of the seats, there was a teenager just like me, with a similar overwhelming gaze on their face. That next hour consisted of congratulatory speeches, readings of duties plus regulations, and words of wisdom from various high ranking individuals.
As I was sitting in the Premier’s seat, surrounded by thirteen others my age in awe of what was happening, I glared around the room judging my soon to be fellow coworkers, noticing that we all seemed to be completely different; the diversity in that chamber was astonishing. Confusion was running through my mind, as I was unsure how we were going to connect, as we were all so unique. Surprisingly, it was not long until we got to know one another. From this experience, I have gained remarkably close friends whom I would have never previously imagined myself talking to. I also realized that it does not matter how unique you are compared to others, it should not negatively affect the relationship. I am now more aware and conscious of how I treat unfamiliar people, as someday, those strangers could be someone meaningful in my life.
Being exposed to numerous heated questions periods, I was able to understand the struggles that Islanders face. Also, seeing how difficult the job of a politician truly is, and the challenges they endure. Throughout this prodigious opportunity, I was able to increase my knowledge and awareness for various political issues on our island. Being immersed in this passionate atmosphere, made me realize that I have a love for the powerful political environment. This experience has given me a realization and an idea of what my future could entitle, also it has altered the way in which I act and think. In addition to making connections with many high ranking people, I also bonded with new friends. Politics now are a huge interest of mine. It also has given me a goal to try and reach later in life.
At the beginning, one man repeatedly stressed to us how “fortunate” and “privileged” we are to be able to partake in this “once in a lifetime opportunity”. None of us fresh pages understood the severity of what he meant until we actually began working. Now, I am overly grateful that I listened to my mother that crisp October afternoon, if not I would have missed out on this incredible opportunity, I do not know where I would be today.
-Carleigh