Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world."  
  
Ever since I started elementary school my family has encouraged me to take part in as many clubs and teams as possible. In terms of sports, Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Curling, Dance and Cross Country . In terms of art clubs, Band, choir, visual arts club and crochet. For initiatives, Eco advocate, Recycling team, Office and Library helper, announcements and Master of ceremony . 

Then when I became an intermediate a new factor of Leadership was presented in the clubs that were geared towards the division. That factor impacted my yearning for being a leader and helping others. The biggest leadership role I have taken to date is running for and being elected student council president and class representative.  The decision to run for those roles were natural for me since they captured my yearning. My tagline for my campaign was "power to the new generation" which captured the essence of what I was aspiring to do in my positions. The second group I would like to touch base on is the recognition committee. I take a leadership role in this because it puts a spotlight on some of the hidden figures in my school that do things but don't get the praise they deserve for it and help mentor younger students to become the best they can be. Third of the other big groups that I'm a part of is Me to We. Although doesn't touch base on leadership that much it still fuels the aspect of outreach and social justice which are two things I'm very passionate about. I've received 7 Character Trait awards and 3 platinum for my work in school. That concludes my paragraph on Leadership in my school.  
  
When it comes to community involvement I try to inspire other youths. The biggest role leadership role is being a part of Ajax outspoken speaker's Youth leadership program. The program promotes Effective communication skills. I've had the honor of being a part of the program for nearly two years. I've been able to be a model for numerous workshops. On March 27, I finished my run as the program's first Youth leadership program's President. Which meant a lot to me because I had to win a speech competition against five other nominees. The Second role is the Black woman of congress. I've just begun participating in congress activities targeted towards youth last year. Last year I won a black history month trivia competition with a team of 2 other participants. During March break I got the chance to volunteer for an African drumming workshop which touched base on the black diaspora. The last but not the least community involvement is in my church. At my church, I've gotten a chance to teach classes of younger students and go over their lessons of the week with them. I've done a lot of summarized sermons. The biggest leadership role that involves my faith is being a Pathfinder. With being a Pathfinder you're able to learn more about Christ and advocate for your religion. For awards from my community, I've received 16 certificates, 2 medals, 1 trophy and 5 badges. That concludes my community involvement and leadership.  
  
Malcolm X once said " the future belongs to those who prepare for it"  
For the future I overall want to be a role model for youth and that when you believe in something you can make it happen. I've started doing this already by speaking at assemblies by spreading awareness on social adversity and breaking down barriers in terms of race and gender. Helping out others through student council like making fundraising effort like Candy grams which we did for Valentine's day. Mentoring/helping others in my class by helping them with clarification and or being there for them when they need somebody to talk and help with school work. In terms of High School, aiming for leadership positions such as the Student council and even the DBEN ambassador program to help organize events and overall create change. In terms of post-secondary, I would overall like to become a doctor most likely a pediatrician because I've been aspiring for that ever since I was 2 and a half years old and have stuck with it ever since. In terms of schools, I would love to attend an HBCU, Ivy or University of Toronto. Finally, I want to be somebody remembered as an advocate, trailblazer and most importantly a leader.

by Cassandra John Whittingham