Made possible with the support of the Times Colonist's Raise a Reader Foundation

Community School Interviews . Feb.. 26-28th

 

Guest #1 Sarah Fletcher Musician and Medical Anthropologist

 

Rock star or academic - one of life's choices  Sarah Fletcher  was born with mild cerebral palsy but thanks to amazing parents and a great physiotherapist, she  never really let that get in her way.  Her accomplishments range from receiving scholarships for each of her degrees, to organizing several North American tours with  her band that she sings in. She is  now trying to decide what to do with her  life- should she be a rock star or an academic? . She was in London and Australia for a year finishing her masters and had to leave Victoria to do that- that also meant leaving the band, as well as her  boyfriend. Now she  has decided that she will be going to carry on and do a PhD in medical anthropology in Burkina Faso in 2007/2008. that is going to be a real challenge! < read what people say >

 

Themes:

 

Overcoming adversity
The music business
Being ready for surprises
Road trips and other adventures
Being a global citizen

 

11:00   Mike Colwill Business and Club Owner
To Mike Colwill, a young businessman and entrepreneur life has been totally spontaneous. Things just worked out positive in his life. He credits this to his parents' positive approach to life:.. "Bad news/good news".--. be able to spin something good .. out of any bad situation.' My dad had a stroke. Just look at all the good that came out of that!.' He loved his high school years, especially grade 11 / 12. which was the highlight of his education. He developed a great group of friends. That's the most important thing." If I went back I wouldn't waste my time on doing better academically Success is based on people. High school is all about developing people skills. You have to go to awkward situations,. when you don't know anyone there. That's where you learn and grow < read what students say about Mike >

Themes:

Deciding who you're going to hang out with and do business with
Ad venture. Life is always an adventure. You never really know what's going to happen every day.
Pack it all in: Always have something going on
The power of being positive.
Being noticed..: Put yourself in situations you'll be noticed

 

Feb. 28th

Guest #3 Cindy Brown Creating a future

 

Cindy Brown's story is out front and honest. In her final undergraduate year at UVic, she has had extensive experience in many jobs in hospitality and tourist related jobs.. Challenges with family were central to her darker moments in high school. She has gone on to develop her passions, travel successfully, have great friendships during her university years. Those friendships have included finding a second mother who has been pivotal in so many aspects in her life. Talking to her gives a fresh sense of charting ones future and allows us to look past stereotypes of success
<read her profile >

Themes:  

Overcoming challenges:finding allies

Finding direction and answers in an uncertain world
Adventures and successes on the road
Next steps
Service and tourism jobs: making it work

 

Guest 4

For Chelsea Peddle, her work with youth around social justice was a life decision that has no turning back for her. Theatre training has opened many doors, given helpful tools and skills for her work with youth and the community at large. While still in her own transition from university to the working world, she brings a fresh voice for change, an inquiring mind willing to see how things might work better, a willingness to help bring different generations together to build a better society. <read what people say about her session >

Themes:
Creating an intensely meaningful life
Hope for the future
Community activism
Seeing your purpose in life