youth are awesome.com

Courtesy Calgary Public Library

Do you love kids? How about seniors?  The Calgary Public Library is providing an amazing volunteer opportunity to connect with both generations this fall.

Be a cyber-coach and share your tech knowledge with an older adult in CyberSeniors Connect, or help a younger child improve their skills in Computer Buddies. Either way, you’ll work one-on-one to guide your learner through lessons and answer their computer-related questions.

“Volunteering at the library offers a great chance to connect with other generations and make a difference in their lives,” says Jessica Hagel, Volunteer Resources Assistant with the Calgary Public Library.

“Make an impact on your community and discover new talents at the same time.”

Volunteer openings at the library include:

• Bowness
• Country Hills (Cardel)
• Fish Creek
• Forest Lawn
• Louise Riley
• Thorn Hill

For more information or to apply to be a volunteer, click here. You can also call Jessica at 403-221-2036 if you have any questions.

Two weeks ago, my very last meeting for the summer Youth Volunteer Corps steering committee ended! With our very small group of no more than 3-4 volunteers meeting at a time, this year’s summer YVC meetings were dedicated to organizing a major project for next year’s YVC’s steering committee, Empty Bowls 2010/2011.

The Summer YVC Steering Committee researched into potential “celebrity” scoopers for this year’s Empty Bowls, experimented with different methods to create “thank you” mosaics for our sponsors, approved potential YVC projects, and discussed redesigning the traditional “fill-a-bowl” aspect of Empty Bowls, deciding what they should look like.

Be sure to volunteer for this year`s YVC Steering Committee to get involved in this fantastic project!

For more, and how you can get involved, visit the website here.

Globalfest starts tomorrow (Aug. 20)! Globalfest is one of my favorite events in Calgary. Through volunteering with Globalfest through Youth Volunteer Corps (click here to get involved), I’ve not only enjoyed the fireworks show, the great purchasable food items, and dances, but the display of Calgary’s diversity as a whole. If you haven’t heard of Globalfest prior to this post, click here for some information on the history of the event and read their mission below:

“The mission of GlobalFest is to produce for the people of Calgary and visitors to our City, a world-class, multi-cultural festival and international fireworks festival that will offer the viewing public an affordable and accessible multi-faceted cultural experience. It is the intention of GlobalFest to use this platform to generate cultural awareness of and significant funding for local community groups as well as foster economic development in East Calgary and beyond.”

The fireworks festival is one of my favorite part of the whole event. This year, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Germany will the countries participating in the fireworks festival. In addition there will be a fireworks show put on by Globalfest to conclude the fireworks festival. Click here to see by whom and when the fireworks will be happening.

Check out Globalfest!

This is Part 2 of the Awesome Youth in Profile: Erica Ho, Unstoppable Believer. Part 1 can be read here.

YAA: Provide some advice, about life in general or about high school or about discovery of one’s self.

Erica: One of the most regretful experiences of my life so far was not doing something. So my advice is to always do. The more that gets done, the more that is learned. And speaking of learning, always keeps an open mind because that’s when everything once gloomy becomes beautiful. Oh, and never let anyone tell you to “chill out dude” because in the end, each second of hard or stressful work put in will lead to a reward unlike anything else!

I’ve had many self discoveries, but I think one that is the most significant is actually my self re-discovery. There were many moments in high school when I struggled with what I wanted to do after I graduated, but in the end I realized that the things we loved doing, and I mean like TRULY LOVED DOING, when we were small will stay with us forever. I re-discovered myself, and now, I know I won’t regret what I do in the future.

YAA: Describe what you are planning to pursue after high school.

Erica: Film studies. Unsure of what occupation, but if you love what you learn, there will always be something made for you.

YAA: What is it that you love about life and why.

Erica: Through all the pain, suffering, unfairness, blood and tears, life is beautiful. A beautiful disaster. The world isn’t perfect because it wasn’t meant to be. Everyone has a different way of seeing things and different ideas. This makes life difficult. The world however also gives happiness, joy and love. Now life is looked upon as dark chocolate. Bittersweet. I love that life holds so many surprises and when you pay attention you realize that everything and everyone is actually connected. It’s empowering when sharing or hearing stories from each other, and it’s magical when delicate beings like butterflies land right on your fingertips. To me, life starts when you’re born and the first thing you see, hear and feel is already a million reasons to be satisfied with life.

YAA: Describe your personality.

Erica: Not naturally good at anything. Tries hard and never rejects. Artistic, emotional, sensitive, determined, brave, flexible, weird and simply complex. I have roles I like to play in life. I can be the helper, the friend, the inspirer, the superstar, (laughs) anything that fits with the moment and the person I’m with.

I also like to make things complicated for myself. I love multi-tasking and can’t stand slowness. Sometimes I can be really abstract, but most of the time I’m really realistic (I need to be if I want something impossible to happen!) I dream a lot, I let myself day dream throughout the day. I could never hurt anyone or anything. It’s easy for me to let things go, and I never really miss too many things. I laugh hideously and I love it. And I’m full of secrets that will never be told, because those secrets are what makes everyone unique.

YAA: Do you believe you are a good role model for other youths? If so, why, and do you believe you affect others in a positive way?

Erica: I think something I do for other youth, and for anyone really, is I listen. I listen and try my hardest to really hear what they mean to say. A lot of the time, action speaks more than words. A picture is worth a thousand words.

YAA: Why do you think I considered you to be an awesome youth?

Erica: I put myself out there and am not afraid to be destroyed. I enhance my flaws and try my best to inspire others to shine.

YAA: If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?

Erica: The world’s obsession over money.

YAA: If you could relive any part of your life, or a moment, what would it have been and why?

Erica: The moments of make belief as a child. I still do it now but those character’s my childhood friends and I became, and those stories we made together were more than phenomenal. Things I wish I wrote as a child and kept until now.

YAA: What do you hope to gain through your pursuing your passions?

Erica: More perspectives than I have already.

YAA: Why do you choose to be who you are?

Erica: Because I can laugh at myself, cry with myself, dream of amazing things, and because I can.

YAA: If there are any questions that I have not asked, but you would like to answer, feel free to! And any last words?

Erica: Screwing up is a part of experimenting. Experimenting is a part of making something come true.
Having flaws is a way of connecting.
Lisachino is my favorite part of the day (=

YAA: This strong willed youth and independent over achiever, lives life to the fullest by realizing with unprecedented maturity that hard work to achieve new perspectives, is not only necessary, but is the path to experiencing happiness, joy and love. Her zest for knowledge, voluntarily attending IB theory of knowledge (TOK) classes, empowers her sensitive and complex perspectives on life. Having just completed a multitude of classes in the fine arts program at Lester B Pearson High School, this future student in film studies, is an inspiration to people across the globe, emplifying amazing self discipline and faith pursuing her passions and dreams, as Erica calls for other youths to use your hearts and not your heads.

This incredible triple threat performer allows the creative genius of art, music and life to influence and guide her wholehearted passions for the fine arts to incredible heights. However, this doesn’t prevent this realistic dreamer from compulsively volunteering her time to many things, be it animals, people (young and old) or the environment.

I’m extremely proud and privileged to introduce my philosophical mentor and this Pearson graduate, Erica Ho, and her inspirational views and advice on self discovery, life and success.

Erica Ho

YAA: Give a couple adjectives that describe you.

Erica: “Love at first sight” or “unstoppable believer.”

YAA: Describe your involvement at Pearson.

Erica: Oh boy. For three years, I’ve been an active member of the Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Women’s Choir and Choral class at Pearson. I’m also a writer for the school newspaper (often writing about upcoming events and performances in the fine arts department), Speech Club competitor and REGIONAL CHAMPION WINNER (for solo acting), and was Leadership Co- Chair (which I was involved in pretty much organizing and carried all of the school’s events: Terry Fox Run, Spirit Week, Breakfast of Champions, etc.).

Also having been Parent Council meeting representative, drama kid, musical theatre performer, dance performer, choral performer, and unless I’ve forgotten something, I think that’s most of my involvement at Pearson.

YAA: Describe your involvement in your community.

Erica: I was a member of Youth Training and Action (YTA) through the Red Cross, in partnership with All Nations Theater, a program that promotes youth to share, expand and act upon actions and ideas to deal with local and global humanitarian issues. I’m also an active volunteer with CCCSA (with various types of task such as helping, performing, and visiting seniors, city clean ups, etc.) and mentored children through the Calgary Public Library. I love caring for cats, bunnies, and hopefully dogs one day at the Calgary Humane Society. I also answer the teen line at the Distress Centre for those in need of support and advice.

YAA: Name any notable achievements or awards you have earned.

Erica: Appreciation and helping others are my real achievements. The only awards I’ve ever earned proudly were those related to music: Vocal Jazz 15 award, Concert Choir 35 award and Choral 20 awards.

YAA: Describe why you believe you are successful.

Erica: I never stop moving, growing and learning. I’ve felt that I’ve touched the hearts of many as they have for mine, and I never stop believing in the possibilities of the impossible.

YAA: Describe what inspires you to live your lifestyle, and why. How did it get this far?

Erica: People inspire me. The artistic, creative, and just pure genius and wonderful things that people do. Whether it be picking up garbage off the ground, or holding the door for someone, or finding a cure for a disease – in the end the world is connected. I truly believe that no matter how bad somebody is being looked at, or how many sins someone has committed, in the end, everyone is beautiful, emotional and pure.

YAA: Share a favourite memory that was at Pearson, a moment that had inspired you or a moment when you experienced success.

Erica: Musical Theater. Performing and being able to have the chance to become a different character and really move the audience is a memory and a gift.

YAA: Describe some of your hobbies or what you like to do in your spare time.

Erica: I love exploring music. I love feeling the intensity each artist provides through their amazing music. Video gaming is also huge part of my life, and has been since I was a young girl. Anything from first person shooting games to adventure to strategy games. I also love films. I like reading on film theory and visioning different scenes out of random. Hopefully I will come out with a short film, and many more mini projects as well! I really love learning about nature. Be it animals of the ocean, astronomy or even bugs. I just love learning about the natural things that happen all around us! And I could go on forever about the endless projects I dive into such as scrapbooking, photography and singing. In the future I plan to make sky diving, paragliding and many other similar sports a regular hobby.

Watch for Part 2 of my interview with Erica tomorrow!

GlobalFest 2010 will be an explosive fireworks festival that will bring different countries together to compete against each other to produce a huge and spectacular display of fireworks! Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain will compete this year to try to produce the grandest choreographed display of fireworks, with an extra element- the compulsory musical piece, Grand Pas de Deux form Ludwig Minkus’ Don Quixote to be incorporated- contributing to these pyromusicals being entirely unique global premiers. GlobalFest’s aim is to showcase our community’s cultural and artistic diversity within Calgary and around the world, appealing as a fantastic international destination for everyone.

What’s new this year to GlobalFest is the OneWorld International Night Market, a non-fireworks night where you can come to Elliston Park, which will be free to public to access, and explore the tents set up to display and sell art and merchandise from around the globe!

Located at Elliston Park, with entrances located at the corner of 17^th (International) Avenue and 60^th Street SE and the festival operating between 6 pm-11:15 pm, tickets are still available online at www.globalfest.ca , so come down and check out GlobalFest!

Here’s the fantastic line-up:

Friday, August 20- Germany (Opening)

Sunday, August 22- Italy

Tuesday, August 24- Portugal

Thursday, August 26- Spain

Saturday, August 28- Finale

But what can be better than simply enjoying the park and watching a brilliant display of glittering lights in the sky reflected off an immense and sparkling lake? When you can VOLUNTEER and be part of a celebration of one of Calgary’s unique festivals celebrating cultural diversity and art! You enjoy many other added benefits of volunteering with GlobalFest, such as a free GlobalFest shirt, parking, snacks and drinks during your shift and a site pass (for access to all five nights of the fireworks). Find out more at www.globalfest.ca!

I know I’m going to enjoy being involved in this fabulous festival; I’ve got placed at the Kiddie Korral, but how about you?

Image credits:

GlobalFest logo: http://www.ama.ab.ca/cps/rde/xchg/ama/web/savings_Global-Fest-12484.htm?link=txt

GlobalFest display: http://www.skagit.edu/directory.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_462

Gloabfest logo: http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/events/GlobalFest/3300763/story.html

Indeed the unexpected philosopher, this down to earth and modest individual houses an old and compassionate soul,  rivaling to that of a Jewish rabbi or Buddhist monk. This tech-savvy youth also has an interesting and philosophical take on life, so read on to find out more about this Pearson graduate, Kimberlee Becking, and her inspirational opinions and advice on self discovery, life and success.

YAA: Please provide a quote; inspirational, happy, doesn’t matter.

Kim: Wer nicht hören will, muß fühlen- Which basically translates to ‘Those who won’t listen must feel.’

YAA: Give an adjective that describes you, followed by a characteristic that describes you.

Kim: Unexpected Philosopher

YAA: Describe your involvement in the community and Pearson.

Kim: I am currently most involved in, mainly the Anime, Manga and the Gaming, Cosplay and the flourishing and fantastic art website, Devainart, community.

YAA: Name any notable achievements or awards you have earned.

Kim: I can’t name any material achievements, as I do not believe they define who I truly am, but its making it this far through life with all the awesome friends I’ve gained, and to be blessed with their smiles and support that they have given me.

YAA:  Describe why you believe you are successful.

Kim: The mere thought that I made it this far and am alive today to meet all the wonderful people that have become connected to me.

YAA:  Describe what inspires you to live your lifestyle and why. How did it get this far?

Kim: It’s how I view the world. Your own opinion of yourself and how you look at life is really the resume to your life. Just being able to see others smile or know that they can turn to me with a kept secret with trust really has kept me going till now.

YAA: Share a favourite memory that was at Pearson.

Kim: My most inspiring moments came from my social 30-1 class and teacher. How he has shared history and events to the class really caught my interest to keep digging within the subject and vast areas of history itself.

YAA: Describe some of your hobbies or what you like to do in your spare time.

Kim: I really enjoy photo shoots, photography, amv’s, and many other aspects branching from it.  I also play both flute and bass, tennis, and I’m very widely versed in all genres videos games.

YAA: Provide some advice about life in general, high school or about discovery of one’s self.

Kim: You can’t start something without that first step. You never know what form that step may take but when you take it will open endless roads on your journey. Look to expect the unexpected; life is unexpected you never know what is next but that’s the beauty of it. Take a risk at something since after all life is made from your choices the worst you can do is nothing.

YAA: What is it that you love about life and why?

Kim: I’m able to live my own life in my way. Life is too short to think about every detail, if you do you’ll never see the bright side to the dark.

YAA: Describe your personality.

Kim: It’s that of a person who is shy, but if you take the chance to look at me again you’ll see I can be rather outgoing and alive. First impressions are something but you can’t judge a person by looks alone.

YAA: What or who is it that motivates you, and why? How did it get you this far?

Kim: There are several people that I can credit to this. Each have motivated me, the real me, in ways I didn’t think would. For the people close to me, they know exactly what to tell me, whether I want to hear it or not, as it’s the truth, and I’d have it no other way.

YAA: Do you believe you are a good role model for other youth? If so, why, and do you believe you affect others in a positive way?

Kim: I believe I am, for the fact that I can relate and listen to other quite well.

YAA: If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?

Kim: I would like to see an improvement on all forms of discrimination. In my life I know many who are unfairly judged by the norms society places on us.

YAA: If you could relive any part of your life, or a moment, what would it have been and why?

Kim: My childhood. I have lost touch with my child side and how my life was back then; you can look at photos but still have no memory come to you, so id at least like to see how random I was back then.

YAA: What do you hope to gain through your pursuing your passions?

Kim: I want to live my life to its fullest so going after something or someone you love to me is one way to really be alive. Since you gain more then you can lose so even if today was your last day you know you’ll die doing something you love.

YAA: Why do you choose to be who you are?

Kim: I choose to be me because if I was someone else I’m no longer me.  I’m loving my life because it’s mine and it’s different from someone else.

YAA: If there are any questions that I have not asked, but you would like to answer, feel free to! And any last words?

Kim: Always keep looking on the bright side. You may think you have it bad, but everyone has a story. So even when you hit rock bottom, you’ll always rise back up, with the support form the people you had some connection to in life. If you’re ever interested in the anime community of Calgary, drop me a line, and in the great words and song by Journey: Don’t Stop Believin’~

Philosophical observer, but by no means passive, an incredible artist that magically paints and draws the world to her own accord, and a fantastic soprano, sharing her talent by lending her voice to Vocal Jazz and Concert choir, Carmen Khuu’s passionate interests in the Fine Arts could be seen as anything but narrow.

Read on to find out more about this Pearson graduate, Carmen Khuu’s, and her inspirational opinions and advice on self discovery, life, and success.

Lisa:  Please provide a quote, inspirational, happy, doesn’t matter.

Carmen: “The most wasted days is that on which one has not laughed.” – Nicholas Chamfort,
“True masters are those who have chosen to make a life rather than making a living.”- Neale Donald Walsch (Conversations With God)

Lisa:  Give an adjective that describes you, followed by a characteristic that describes you.

Carmen: Philosophical Spectator

Lisa: Describe your involvement at Pearson.

Carmen: For the past three years, I have been involved in extra-curricular activities such as Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz.

Lisa: Describe your involvement in your community.

Carmen: I am part of a Red Cross program called Youth Training and Action, which is open to all youth to share and expand their ideas concerning both the local and global community. Through YTA, I have conveyed my opinions and concerns to the community by being involved with artistic projects such as photography, performing in various drama skits and creating visual art. I have also worked with All Nations theatre to create a skit that was performed in the annual Global Fest 2009. Also, as of recent, I have volunteered to create a mural for the Village Square Leisure Centre.

Lisa:  Name any notable achievements or awards you have earned.

Carmen: I completed IB Art, and have received a Certificate of Achievement from the Canadian Red Cross for my involvement with YTA.

Lisa: Describe why you believe you are successful.

Carmen: I believe that I have achieved success by being able to express my thoughts effectively through different types of media. Being able to tell stories and to open a window to a new perspective for other people feel very gratifying, especially if I know that I am able to change or alter a person’s life for the better, no matter of how little significance it makes.

Lisa: Describe what inspires you to live your lifestyle, and why. How did it get this far?

Carmen: Honestly, it started off as passive, nonchalant acts, because my initial thoughts were that it had no negative consequences for me. But what has caused me to go beyond the surface, and what has became a big inspiration for me are my friends; they were the ones who have inspired me to live the way I do, and, in my opinion, they give so much to the community and are such a positive influence in my life. The reason that I could get this far is because of the unconditional support and guidance of these close friends.

Lisa: Share a favourite memory that was at Pearson, a moment that had inspired you or a moment when you experienced success.

Carmen: The evening of our IB Art show has been, and will always be, a treasured memory of mine. I felt very successful knowing that my art was able to provoke thoughts and to stir up emotions from the viewers.

Lisa:  Describe some of you hobbies or what you like to do in your spare time.

Carmen: My spare time is wasted on the usual teen-y stuff. Whenever I don’t feel like exerting much brain-power or energy, (which is the majority of the time,) I am usually watching TV or on the computer (After all these years, I still love Spongebob!)

On some occasions, I enjoy reading – lately, I have been into reading non-fictional books concerning psychology. As for hobbies, I love the arts and literature, and whenever I am hit with a bolt of creativity, I will either sketch or write in order to let it out (most of my art and writing are half-processed thoughts because I usually get side-tracked…) Also, I have been trying to carry around my digital camera so that I can capture shots of anything that tickles my interest when I’m out of the house (I’m aiming for the professional, better-than-real-life cameras one day!) Ever since I’ve joined Concert Choir, I have been gutsy enough to belt out songs in the heat of the moment (not sure if you consider that a hobby…), and I have also been trying to learn to play the piano. A strange hobby that I have is to collect things – I’m such a pack rat, but I love to collect sheet music and (MP3) music. I also search for quotes and keep them in my ‘database’, and I love collecting cosmetics, even though I barely use them (so… much… colours!) …I don’t think you really needed to know of the latter of the “hobbies”… sorry for getting carried away! (Haha!)

Lisa: Describe what you are passionate about.

Carmen: If you haven’t realized from previous answers, I love the fine arts! Ever since I was a child, I loved to draw and colour, and on several occasions, I have wanted to become an artist. My fondness of the arts grew as I mature, and I developed a love for English literature, music (including, yes, classical music!) and photography. I find it ironic and somewhat funny that everything I found “boring” as a child has become the things that now gives meaning to my life!

(more…)

Since 2005, my brother, sister and I have been raising money for the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta to help send kids and their siblings who have been touched by cancer to a special summer camp. Camp Kindle is owned and operated by the KCCFA and the camp tuition is paid only by donation. For the three of us, going to summer camp has always been something amazing that we look forward to, and we never believed that because you are sick you shouldn’t get to go to camp. So, when we heard about Camp Kindle, we thought it was the perfect cause to support!

So far, between the three of us, we have passed the $10,000 mark of donations to help send kids to camp! We are so happy to have been able to make such a contribution with the support of our community

Along with raising money, my sister and I donate our hair to make wigs for kids who have lost their hair to illness and our brother does the Shave Your Lid For a Kid event. My sister and I have donated our hair 3 times and are working on our next “harvest.” Our brother recently did his 3rd Shave with his junior high.

Check out this awesome video of his Shave!

If you would like to support my brother Dennis in his fundraising, you can pledge him through the KCCFA by clicking here (You’ll get an instant tax receipt!)

Have you ever donated your hair? Shaved Your Lid For a Kid? Planning to do either? Done some fundraising? Or went to the camp? Please leave a comment and share your story ♥

Wanted: Street Team for Sled Island
It’s that time of year. Sled Island Music and Film Festival time of year that is.
The line-up is pretty wicked this time around and we need some equally wicked volunteers to go to the shows (volunteers will receive festival passes) and watch Girl Talk, King Khan & BBQ, The Posies, and lots more. And, of course, to spread the word that civic involvement is the new black, I mean pink. Watch the shows, snap some photos and show Canadians how hot democracy is.

A is B is a non-partisan non-profit charitable organization that tries to show youth that democracy is sexy through art and technology and wicked musicians like the performers at Sled Island.

We want dynamic, dedicated, and (obviously) organized volunteers from across Canada to be part of this summer’s Street Team campaign. We will be selecting volunteers based on experience and an interview.

Are you the cat’s meow?

Here are the details:

Date: Friday July 2 & Saturday July 3
Time: Friday – 3pm to 11pm; Saturday – 12pm – 11pm
Venue: Olympic Plaza, Calgary, Alberta
Note: A is B does not cover travel costs, volunteers should be from Alberta and able to get to the festival themselves.

One Lead Volunteer ($100 Honorarium):

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the local volunteer team with an Apathy is Boring staff member leading up the event
• Participate in at least one phone meeting leading up to the event with an Apathy is Boring staff member
• Coordinate meeting time and location with other volunteer
• Bring all contents of the Apathy is Boring kit to the event site
• Fill out short surveys with audience members throughout the duration of the festival
• Pass out flyers about Apathy is Boring
• Interact with festival goers and show them how boring apathy really is
• Collect all Apathy is Boring material and mail it back to the Apathy is Boring office

1 additional volunteer:

Responsibilities:

• Fill out short surveys with audience members throughout the duration of the festival
• Pass out flyers about Apathy is Boring
• Interact with festival goers and show them how boring apathy really is

Please contact Apathy is Boring at info@apathyisboring.com if you’re interested OR for more details.

Looking for something to do this summer?  Interested in making new friends and scoring some volunteer hours while you’re at it?

Child and Youth Friendly Calgary has a few opportunities coming up if you answered “yes” to the questions above.

The Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC for short) is a program that provides youth-approved volunteering opportunities for youth. Volunteers sign up online for one-time projects that they can participate in with a bunch of other young people.  There’s huge variety in the types of projects – everything from helping out at festivals to volunteering with the Food Bank. 

Now’s YOUR chance to join the YVC Steering Committee, a.k.a. the group of youth who meet 2 times per month to choose YVC volunteer projects and help plan Empty Bowls 2011.  If you’re interested, please contact Erica at yvc@cyfc.ca.

If that doesn’t sound like you’re cup of tea, but you still want to get involved, maybe you’d be interested in helping young people improve Calgary one project at a time…

The Calgary Youth Foundation is run by youth who get together 1-2 times every month to look over grant applications for youth-driven projects and programs around the city, and then gets to choose the projects to distribute grant money to.  Plus, you’ll also get to work on expanding the Youth Vital Signs report.  Interested?  Email Ros at ros@cyfc.ca.

Both opportunities will let you work towards a greater good, get volunteer hours, and make awesome new friends.  The meetings are tons of fun, and everyone here at Youth Are Awesome is sure you’ll have a great time.  So, what are you waiting for?  Get involved!

Upon researching my research paper topic for Psychology, “What makes people outgoing?”, I happen to stumble upon fasinating scientific evidence that supports some well known attributes of being adventuerous and outgoing. If ever there were better reasons to volunteer, perhaps reading these studies will inspire you to have a whole new perspective!

The result of the psychological study:  Acting extroverted makes people happier!

According to a psychological study on the personality trait of expressing extraversion, researchers from the Wake Forest University have discovered that acting extraverted makes people happier. Participants were recruited, though the article did not mention the nature of their willingness, and participated in evaluations that examined different levels of expressing extraversion in relations to their emotions. Despite a person being more reserved or outgoing, being bolder, open to take risks and more assertive affects a person more positively.

Extraverted behaviour such as singing out loud to the radio when a song comes on, being able to voice one’s opinion and asking more questions in the classroom, all seem to have a positive impact on a person. During the lab experiment, subjects were asked to track their mood for a time period of two weeks , and researchers instructed the participants to act in different ways. First, the group of people were asked to act assertive and more energetic, and in a later group discussion talking about their experience, they said they had enjoyed the lab experiment. When the group of people were later asked to act passive and more reserved, the same subjects declared that they did not feel very happy, nor enjoyed the lab experiment as much.

Studying extroversion, The Wake Forest researchers also wanted to find a connection between acting extroverted and if the short term happiness that extroversion created, would last for long periods of time. Subjects were asked to record their behaviour over a ten week period, and the results seemed very conclusive: there is a very strong connection between happiness and acting extroverted.  Does this mean we are in control of our happiness? The Wake Forest researchers seem to think so, believing that we are not only in control of our happiness, but also that a factor that contributes to happiness is personality, and to a certain degree, we are in control of our personality. The path to being happiness results in the ability of people to act more adventurous, bold, and outgoing, choosing to have the power to improve themselves, and the research supports the theory that being more outgoing can definitely cause happiness.

“Brains of outgoing people react more positively to happy faces than those of shy individuals, study shows.”

There are some traits that do not affect how our brains react to some stimuli- such as our reaction to something scary, which is also called a universal human characteristic of self- preservation. However, some Stanford researchers have revealed that the brains of those considered “outgoing” are more likely to react to positive stimuli, than their shy and more reserved counterparts. An article printed in the journal, Science, displayed their discoveries under the title “Amygdala Response to Happy Faces as a Function of Extraversion.”  Located in the area of the brain associated with emotions and memory, the researchers have been imaging the amygdala, recording when it “lights up” or activates, when the subjects’ brains develop a socially and emotionally evoking image, in this case, the human face. The researchers had hypothesized that if a sample group of test subjects were inclined to be more outgoing, then their amygdala would more likely respond to positive stimuli. The researchers set out to test this theory, by recruiting 15 student volunteers, who were assessed for their tendency to be optimistic and sociable, and their tendency to be insecure and anxious – possessing both personality traits is possible, as they do not oppose each other at all. The results found that people that had a tendency to be more outgoing, indeed responded to happy faces with their amygdala “turning on” more than those who were not inclined to extroversion.

This article has certainly surprised and shown me some aspects of the personality, especially regarding a person’s tendency to be outgoing in correspondence to their lifestyle. Personality is a characteristic that is shared by all human beings, yet each human being possesses a wide variety of personality traits that make them unique. Regardless of whether a person is outgoing or shy, we do have common responses that we share, such as our universal survival instincts to fear. However, using an example of how the personality trait of being able to take risks corresponds to positivity, the article uses the example of the different perspectives regarding a party. Not everybody enjoys going to a party filled with unfamiliar strangers. Some may perceive the invitation to the party as an excellent opportunity to interact with everyone, while many may think it is a great chance to become excluded and lonely. However, extreme introversion can be a crippling condition for the affected, as it sometimes prevents people from creating meaningful and sociably interactions with others. It’s quite interesting to observe how different people may perceive this situation, studying to see different thought processes of what may have been a satisfying experience.

I received this e-mail from the Calgary Urban Agriculture group and wanted to pass it along:

“The Calgary Food Policy Council invites you to the 2nd annual Calgary Food Policy Council Downtown Community Garden Planting Days! Help us to transform four planter boxes on Barclay Parade into beautiful and productive urban gardens full of vegetables and edible flowers. The produce we grow will be donated to food assistance organizations in Calgary. The garden we create together will be a space to celebrate and cultivate a sustainable food future for Calgary! We’ll be planting Saturday and Sunday May 29th and 30th starting at 1:00pm, 3rd Street SW between 5th and 6th Avenue SW. Drop by and help contribute to a better Calgary, learn a little about food gardening, and have a great time!”

Last year the vegetables from the Downtown Community Garden went to the Drop-In Centre, and they were the only fresh vegetables they’d had all year. This would be a great way to spend the weekend!

Slovenly dressed men, with grizzled breads and a foul disposition, glowering eyes and haphazardly dressed women with fearful temperaments- who are these stereotypical individuals that I am describing?  Unfortunately, for many Calgarians, these are the pre-conceived images and notions of the homeless and needy population that overwhelm our streets, due to the distressing income disparity and current recession that Calgary is experiencing.

I recently signed up on the CYFC website to volunteer on the projects involving assisting those who are in need: Inn from the Cold and The Drop-In Center. Inn from the Cold is a facility that allows Calgarians, mainly senior men and families, a safe and secure place, where they may decide to reside if they require a stable residence.  The Drop-In Center provides food and drink to many individuals that do not normally have access to hot, nutritious meals, and also allows patrons to have a chance to sit down in a safe environment, and gives them the opportunity to watch recently released movies on a very impressive widescreen, high definition, television screen.

Coming down to both shelters, entering and leaving was, frankly, the only times I felt fearful and extremely alert to and of the possible intentions of those around me. Hooded, ashen faces, with dust collected in the creases of their clothes, languidly sitting outside the shelter entrances was the first sight I perceived, and sadly, an image that our society fiercely latches onto. Upon arrival at the shelters, our volunteer group was ushered into the kitchen to perform food prep for the patrons.

At Inn from the Cold, I was in charge of packing lunches for the residents, ensuring that they received a piece of fruit, two snacks, a drink and a wholesome sandwich in the treasured, brown paper bags I prepared.  Quite the enjoyable project, I also tended to the needs of residents who requested special, non- allergenic lunches to be made, taking careful note of the slicing a baby’s lunch as required. Later, sitting down in the cafeteria, gradually partaking in eating a meal with the residents that milled into the cafeteria, I noticed the atmosphere to be not one of tension, depression or wavering misery, but of a bustling, family-like environment, with all the residents passively aware of each other, with the senior men graciously clearing and cleaning up the dishes of all the inhabitants, as well as ours.

At the Drop-In Centre, our volunteer group was given the duties of food preparation: peeling potatoes (moi), cleaning and hacking away at cabbage (with noticeably loud grunts as my fellow volunteer’s knives sawed into the cabbage), chopping very juicy and fresh tomatoes (with enormously large spilling “guts” that we often joked was “bloody” juice), and the very pleasantly entertaining buttering of bread, (though there were butter knives at hand, we simply reached into a bucket, pulling out large globs of margarine into our hands, and smeared them into the loaves of bread; of course we had gloves on). The time to serving the food that we had prepared (which turned into a salad, chick peas and rice meal), I must admit I was quite frightened by the prospect of serving the needy population of Calgary. The preconceived notions of glaringly staring men and women, rude and inconsiderate, barking obscenities towards me petrified my mind. Nonetheless, I wound up standing in line, in front of the serving window, waiting with utensils to shove into the dished out meals, ready to serve and face the daunting crowd of hungry patrons. A member of the staff would raise their hand to indicate the tables we needed to serve, and so the routine occurred as such: line-up, grab utensils (in this case metal forks were replaced with disposable, plastic forks), and grab meals situated on glass dishes, the contents quickly and rhythmically plopped on with huge ladles, from huge metal containers that contained the servings; and immediately after grabbing two dishes, you had to swerve between tables and avoid trampling anyone’s bags on the ground, trying to locate the elusive raised arm that signalled the appropriate table to serve. In the line-up, I met a regular  Drop-In Centre volunteer that was extremely friendly and encouraging, briefly explaining her experience at the Drop-In Center.

“I guess I’m volunteering at the Drop-In Center out of the kindness of my heart as well,” she laughs, as she just similarly asked why I chose to volunteered at the Drop-In Centre, replying with a very cheesy, but probably as close to the truth and realism as it gets, response, “and as I started volunteering here more and more, you started recognizing people and in turn, they recognized you as well.” A huge smile never left her face, as she too, started serving the patrons of the Drop-In Center and cleaning up the dishes of those embarking to leave after finishing a hearty meal.

The individuals that also used the Drop-In Centre surprised me. Not just the typical old, slouching and emaciated personnel, but teenagers that carried expensive, name brand bags and clothing,  people of all ethnicities, and people that ranged in ages, who all required the services of the Drop-In Center.

I believe the experience was quite the eye-opener for me. Those sitting down to eat were polite, well groomed individuals, that never failed to give me large smiles as I in turn smiled pleasantly at them, and no obscenities were ever exchanged or thrown in the cafeteria. My preconceived notions definitely went down, as I became more comfortable interacting with my fellow Calgarians, exchanging a quick thank you and smile, realizing that I take for granted many things that the shelters were offering those in need. I guess that with many of them struggling with their lives in their attempts to survive in Calgary, the kindness a stranger may show while serving them a sufficient meal may be the only kind act and peace of mind they receive all the day, every day.

I definitely recommend for more people to, perhaps, volunteer a little of your time to help out those in need, to step out of your comfort zone and become aware of the situation many Calgarians face today. Volunteering here at the shelters has definitely encouraged me to reconsider my prejudice and judgments that I hold against the needy population of Calgary, becoming less afraid of stereotypical “hobos” and becoming less ignorant of the needs of those around me.

Besides, as me and my fellow volunteers exited the building, the patrons started to clap for us, recognizing our contributions and appreciating our efforts to perform a small act of kindness. That’s was the best thanks I had ever received, with respect to volunteering my services.

We’re getting closer to summer and the end of school, and that means festival season is starting up. Last night, the Calgary International Folk Festival surprised me by releasing their full 2010 artist line-up a day early, after 17 weeks of weekly artist reveals.

I had been anticipating this release ever since St. Vincent was announced to be playing one of the mainstage shows. The full list certainly hasn’t disappointed me. The 68-artist list includes one of my all-time favourite Canadian bands, Stars, who had seemingly skipped over Calgary in their tour this year, and who will also be playing a mainstage show.

The Folk Fest is one of the most affordable summer festivals, selling student passes for the entire weekend at only $85. But if that’s pushing it, there’s still time to sign up to volunteer and get free entrance to the shows.