Education is clearly the foundation on which young people build not only their personal futures, but collectively the future of our local community, province, country, and ultimately the world.
That has always been the case, although today it is moew relevant than ever.
There is an unprecedented access to information for youth, and the opportunities are immense.
Yet, at the same time there are harsh realities at play as well, from the threats of ISIS, and North Korea, to mass murders in schools just across the border, to racism which continues to plague our nation and the world.
So it is critical we ingrain in our youth the importance of education, and of always pushing forward toward their goals.
Those two messages were certainly a big part of presentations made week at the Dr. Brass Bears Love Yourself Day last week in the city.
Corey O’Soup, Saskatchewan’s new Advocate for Children and Youth, told the assembly of students at the school his own upbringing was not always easy. (See "Youth advocate talks to students" for related story).
It was often a case of an empty refrigerator at home, and that meant going to school many days without lunch. But O’Soup said he wouldn’t admit to not having a lunch, instead masking the situation by telling others he didn’t like lunch.
“Even today it’s hard for me to eat lunch,” he said.
While food was often scarce, O’Soup said his parents did have a vision for their children.
“One of the most important things they taught me was about education, about going to school,” he said. “For five or six years I had perfect attendance … They (mom and dad) made me get up, made me go to school.”
At the time O’Soup said he would have rather slept in but “now I’m really thankful for it … That childhood really shaped who I today.”
O’Soup told the students that their time in school is a building block.
“Education is something that is really important,” he said.
Kendall Netmaker, the man behind Neechie Gear clothing, told the students he too faced challenges. But that is something everyone will face at some time in their lives.
But through the ups and downs, twists and turns of his life, Netmaker said he has come up with a few simple guiding principles everyone should remember.
To begin with, even when you end up hurt along the way you need to persevere.
“Use your pain for gain,” he told the Dr. Brass students.
Finally, Netmaker told students to keep working toward their goals.
“Be persistent. Keep moving forward. Don’t give up,” he said. “No matter how hard it gets, keep moving forward.”
The day at the school was about building an inner confidence for the students, but in doing so, it reinforced foundational concepts upon which our future is always built.
