We asked students:
“What do you want to do to make a difference?”
Here’s what they said:
Serena G.
Grade 3
I want to make a difference in the world by making inventions that help people and animals. I would like to work in robotics so I can help develop technology that can support the elderly and assist people in caring for animals.”
Jessie G.
Grade 5
I would make sure everyone in all the countries have a sufficient supply of edible food, uncontaminated water and sturdy shelter as well as access to education. I help out by organizing food drives, saving water by turning off taps and influencing other people to do the same. We need to make sure that the governments start thinking about their own people, which includes the conditions they are living under as well as how they are treated.”
Katie W.
Grade 6
I would demonstrate that you don’t always need to follow the path that others have already created. Instead, be inspired and create your own path.”
Shreya G.
Grade 7
I want to help people deal with bullying. It’s a big problem, but I believe that if we stand up, things can change. I want to spread awareness about bullying and help people cope with it.”
Dara A.
Grade 7
If I see something that I don’t like, I change it. Your actions have a bigger impact than you think they do.”
Jana K.
Grade 8
I want to make a difference in the world by following my interests while finding solutions to real-world problems in today’s society. I also want to have a bias towards action mindset, meaning I can get change to happen efficiently and effectively.”
Ruby Jean R.
Grade 8
I would do something rather simple: kindness. Even the smallest act of kindness, like a smile or a wave, can make a huge impact on someone’s day. I always love it when someone says ‘Hello’ to me when passing in the halls, and I encourage you to do the same. Try to spread kindness and joy around your community!”
Anaya J.
Grade 8
I want to help combat the effects of climate change on sea life by being a marine biologist. These amazing animals and ecosystems provide so many resources for us and other creatures and deserve to survive for centuries to come.”
Carol R.
Grade 9
There are innumerable ways to make a difference in the world. I wish to constantly be the best version of myself and to positively impact the lives of people around me. While doing so, I want to continue making a difference by innovating and creating things that can combat the greatest issues faced by humanity, such as climate change.”
Ella R.
Grade 9
I believe kindness is key to making the world a better place. There are many unseen burdens people are carrying and a single act of kindness can share strength and hope—to the mom who is struggling to get food on the table, or to the boy who just lost his grandpa. I believe kindness goes further than a single act and can have a ripple effect that can touch people we will never meet. That is why I want to always strive to be kind and use a compassionate lens to approach and take action on the issues I see in this world. That is how I want to make a difference.”
Neve P.
Grade 10
I want to use my voice to speak up about injustices that Indigenous peoples across Canada face, whether it’s the water crisis, environmental racism or the continuation of colonization. I realize I still have a lot to learn about these issues and my own culture as an Indigenous person, but it is important for everyone to put in an effort toward Truth and Reconciliation so that Indigenous peoples across Canada and the world, including myself and my family, can relearn our ways.”
Tomisin F.
Grade 12
Change is being inspired to make a difference and leave a positive impact by empowering and uplifting others. In my life, I plan to continue to be a positive member of my community and advocate for the issues that are most dear to my heart.”
Published April 2022
2021–22 Issue
