Lucy's Leadership Journey

One night at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference, there was a neon dance. This dance was second to none. Everyone dressed up with face paint, glitter, and glowing accessories such as head bands, necklaces and bracelets. In our cabin, Koala girls 10, we all got ready together, we helped each other with face paint, we took pictures, and we listened to music. There was an atmosphere of excitement and friendship in the cabin, even though we all had known each other for only a couple days. As we got ready for the dance, we shared clothes, complimented each other's outfits, and just enjoyed the vibe of getting ready to go out for a fun filled night. We could hear the beat of music as we walked the path from our cabin to the dance. Once inside, we were handed glowing sticks to wave around and dance with. There were multiple dance circles and conga lines happening at the same time. The floor was shaking from all the dancing, and it was so hot in the room. Some would have found it overwhelming, but a room full of student leaders found it thrilling. Everyone was so nice, there was no judgment, just dancing. That is what stuck with me most from CSLC, the inclusivity that was always present. I never once felt judged for voicing my opinion, for dancing in the dance circle or for just being myself. It was such an amazing event, and I wish that every student could experience it. 

The dance was just one of the many fun activities that took place at CSLC. We had the chance to plan part of and participate in a pop-up Relay for Life. It is such a great cause, and we got to see just how much other people enjoyed it as much as we did. All the students at CSLC were tasked with helping plan one part of the Relay; our group, Gen Z United, had to do the closing ceremonies. I had the opportunity to speak in French in front of everyone there, to thank them for their participation. We wanted to bring an event like this back to our own community after seeing how much involvement and joy it brought out in other people. 

Participating in CSLC and being surrounded by other student leaders inspired me to become a more dedicated and motivated leader. I voice my opinion more and I am not afraid to plan events or talk in front of classrooms full of people. I got to experience firsthand the amount of communication it takes to plan an event such as Relay for Life, and to see what can come from this communication. When my group was tasked with planning the closing ceremonies for the pop-up Relay for Life, each person had their own unique and creative ideas that they brought to the group. Seeing and being a part of this communication helps me lead Relay for Life as I try to prioritize communication between the planning committees. 

Our event has yet to take place, but I feel that the most rewarding part will be seeing it all come together on the day of. Our Relay committees are working hard at communicating and planning this event, and I am so grateful to have their help. Having the chance to lead this initiative has been a great experience so far and I can't wait to see how it will turn out once we reach the finish line. 

We attended CSLC with two other schools from our school division (Warren Collegiate and Teulon Collegiate), and we decided to plan a Relay for Life together. We divided the committee roles between the three schools, and we are working together to bring this amazing event to our community. CSLC brought us students together, and I hope that this Relay for Life can help build bonds between students from the three schools to create a better sense of community in our student populations.  

For students wanting to plan a Relay for Life, it can seem like a daunting task at first but don't let that stop you. It is an established event with many resources if you need any help with planning, organizing, or anything else. Also, don't forget to rely on and communicate with your whole leadership team. Everyone has strengths and can contribute something to event planning. Work as a team, many hands make light work. 

 As for students who are considering attending CSLC, do it! It is such a well-organized, amazing event. You will be surrounded by other people who love leadership as much as you do. At CSLC, you will meet new friends, gain lifelong skills, and come away with a newfound love for leadership. Do not be scared to go, the amount of inclusivity and fun you will experience will make you so glad you attended. I have no regrets in attending, and I can guarantee you won't either!

Lucy’s community has her back! Check out her school’s Relay for Life making headlines:https://new.eureka.cc/PdfLink/O0C4tvQfEeuQpsx07P6AbDChOfLXPRA4ZWmEKOoFYwNsLpG-tJAxDRofpEtoufaQQV4bi1Dkn7dGLAgZ_Q20cg2

If you feel inspired by Lucy’s story and would like to show your support, please consider donating to her fundraiser, every bit truly helps and makes a difference! https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLY_NW_odd_?pg=entry&fr_id=30939&s_locale=en_CA .