The World At Lunch

Posted on March 25, 2011 by admin

One of my most powerful memories from my grade seven year at LCC was an event planned by Grad Pride called, “The World at Lunch.” We had been told that instead of having our 5th and 6th period classes we would be going to the Velan Gym for a special event. Upon entering the gym, my hand was marked with a red dot and I was told to sit down at a table at the back of the room. A few other students from different grade levels soon accompanied me—around 12 students. Roughly four or five times as many students were marked with blue dots and told to sit at separate tables along the sides of the gym. The majority of the students sat on the floor in the middle of the gym. The sounds of periodic snapping could be heard, approximately every three seconds. Among the crowd could be heard a distinct sense of confusion and wonder to the meaning of such an odd procedure. We were soon told that the select students sitting at my table, represented first world countries and that we would be served a three-course meal. The blue tables represented second world countries and they would be eating pizza. As for the rest of the students, they inevitable represented the majority of the human population; the third world countries, and they would be served rice and dyed water. It was only later that we discovered that the periodic snapping that rang in our ears was the representation of a single child dying due to lack of food, resources, care and money.

It was only a fluke that I had been chosen to sit at the first world countries’ table. I couldn’t fathom the reasoning behind it. Why me? Why had I been chosen? Why was it fair that I lived a life of surplus in Canada and not others? Listening to the guest speakers, hearing devastating facts, and being tormented by that ever-lingering series of snaps, a single question rang in my mind: what could I do to help? The money that would be gathered from the upcoming free dress would be designated to helping children living in poverty. Even knowing that the school was making an effort to help such a great cause, I somehow felt personally connected, I felt like I wanted to do more than donate the mere $2 and move on. For that free dress I had gathered over $100 to donate to the organization. It seemed as if I was not the only person who was touched by this assembly and many students decided to bring more than the required minimum. Perhaps it was a sense of guilt that compelled us to bring more. However, I would like to think that a sense of widespread community was felt that day.

The Grad Pride of grade 11 chose to hold a “World At Lunch” this year that took place on Friday, March 25, 2011. We felt that it was our responsibility, being the last year that would have experienced the initial “World At Lunch,” to share with the rest of the school the event that, for many of us, allowed us to truly feel a sense of global identity and responsibility. One of the major values that LCC tries to pass onto its students is the sense that, due their luck in having been born in such a great country, it is their responsibility not to turn their back on the majority of the people in the world that find it hard to live day-by-day with the money and food that they have. It is our responsibility as a prosperous community, to look out into a world where people struggle to get by and realize that we have the potential to, in some way, improve their standard of living. It would be unrealistic to think that this single event would drastically have any major impact on child poverty or human rights, however the point of this event isn’t to make a single change. The reason behind the event is to allow students to begin wondering about their role to play in a world that they are just beginning to discover.—Noah Schouela ’11

Weeks 5 & 6: Adelaide, Australia – Best I Ever Had!

Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin

The past two weeks have literally been non-stop action, activity and emotion. In spite of doing some of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, I had an absolutely amazing time. I went on a trip called Westventure for 12 days, and it taught me so many valuable life lessons.

Thirty-four of us arrived at the base camp eager for the days to come. We were split into four groups that we would be spending most of our time with for the next few weeks. The first two days were spent learning the basics of kayaking and sailing and going for 5 km runs in the afternoons. On the third day we went for our first overnight, and after a few hours of hiking we arrived at our destination. The next day we finished off our lessons with the kayaks and sailboat and prepared for the first big adventure; a 15 km kayak/sail, navigated and led by the kids, to a nearby town. My group kayaked all the way there with all our packs and we were awarded with money to spend at the little shops. After some fun games and a restful night, it was our turn to sail back home. We had a blast “getting our lean on” and nearly capsizing several times! The next day we pushed our limits as group members by running 17 km sticking together and cheering each other on. The afternoon was spent doing more team building activities, and it was a struggle getting our exhausted bodies to work. The next three days were spent camping out on a special island with some spectacular sand dunes and a beautiful ocean view. Once again our group kayaked to the destination and sailed back home.

Some highlights of our days there were a cheesecake competition–using our little tin cooking kits; some reflection time on the beach watching the sunset (although it was too cloudy to see much); and the night we spent singing along to songs while one of the instructors led us on the guitar.

The final full day was without a doubt the most challenging, since had to push ourselves through a gruesome 17 km individual run. In the end, everyone felt so proud of themselves, having been determined to push past their limits and into a whole new difficulty level. Although it was physically draining, it was even more exhausting mentally, since we had to keep focused on the task at hand and keep our legs going.

The memories, laughs and good times spent at the camp will never be forgotten by any of the lucky students who got to go on the awesome trip. I cannot explain how amazing I felt being there; the rollercoaster of emotion, and the bonds that have been made to last a lifetime. This week brings with it my final days here in Adelaide, and surely it will be a great last few days. –Sarah Salzman ‘13

Peru Exchange – Life Changing

Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin

As I sat on the airplane leaving Montreal, I had no idea what to expect. Peru was completely unknown to me. Although, I was extremely nervous, I was ready to embrace the six-week adventure that stood before me. I have been here for about two weeks now and I can honestly say I’m having the time of my life.

Although I have only been in Lima, Peru, for 11 days, I have already made memories that will last me a lifetime. The minute I arrived, I was greeted with the friendliest people. Everyone here is incredibly warm and kind. Even though I don’t speak Spanish, I was amazed that it didn’t stop me from making friends. People are always happy to translate or clue me in on what everyone is talking about. The other day, I woke up and automatically said « Hola ». Peru has inspired me to hopefully be fluent some day.

In only so little time, Peru is already changing me. I cannot wait to continue my stay here. Coming up I will be participating on the rugby team and going to Machu Picchu. –Alexia Miller ’13

The Salkantay Trek – Peru 2011

Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin

There we were, a group of 21 students on a four-hour bus ride awaiting our camping destination. For most of us, the Salkantay trail possessed both wonder and a sense of “je ne sais quoi” as we, teenagers from Canada, would be trekking through the Andes of Peru, a place foreign to all of us. Many of us were excited to start the hiking part of the journey after completing a week of community service in Las Palmas, which although extremely rewarding, was also quite dirty. Of course, the definition of “dirty” was changed along with our experiences on this trip. Dirty was no longer food stuck in one’s teeth, dirty now qualified as not having showered for four days and having mud caked on one’s face. As we arrived at our campsite, we were faced with a breathtaking mountain, with snow adorning its peak. Our tents had already been set up by the wonderful, and most helpful, crew of native Peruvians, all who accompanied us on our trek. In a way, the crew was like our shadow, meeting us at the destination to set up our tents and prepare us food, well before we all arrived, and then waking us up early in the morning to serve us “cocoa tea,” a Peruvian favourite.

As the first morning of our trek began, the sun illuminated the snow surrounding us, creating a picture-perfect moment. We were all excited to begin our journey, not phased with the cold we were so used to back home. We marched together as a united force for a while, until we started to reach steep inclines. Then our group seemed to separate into three, those strong ones at the front, those in the middle, and those who were in the back of the group. Being a part of the “back group,” I am proud to say that there is no shame involved in falling behind. The teachers always made it clear to go at our own pace and not to push ourselves too much. In a way, being in the back gave me a chance to connect with different people, whether it was by telling stories, playing games such as the all too popular “Ghost,” or by our collective determination to reach the top. It was a very proud moment when our group reached the top, as we placed the stones we had picked up at the bottom of the mountain, and placed them on top of each other, a ritual designed to respect Pachamama. Pachamama is what the Peruvians call Mother Earth, she allows for some to have a safe journey through the mountains. It seems that on this particular day, Pachamama was irritated as we were walking through freezing rain for the better part of the day. However, the rain finally stopped and we all made it back to our campsite, whether on foot or on emergency mule.

The next early morning, we all groaned at the prospect of climbing steep inclines yet again. However, our group leader, Julie, who was extremely kind and helpful, informed us that today would be mostly flat, with very few inclines. True to her promise, the second day of hiking was probably the most enjoyable. The sun was out, there was a nice pool of water that we could dunk our feet into during a rest, and for the most part, the group was united. Also, the last leg of the day was spent walking through a small Peruvian village. During the walk in the village, we got a small taste of Peruvian life as we got to witness young children coming home from the local school and also see the local equivalents of depanneurs, which were surrounded by chickens. Stopping at one of the depanneurs to buy Doritos, I realized that munching on something so familiar made me happy to be away from home. We were all experiencing something new; we were a part of something eye- opening and bigger than 21 students put together. We all realized this, and we all wanted in.

Finally, the last day of our hike arrived. Most of us were tired from the long trek the day before and from the sounds of two dogs barking endlessly into the night, waking everybody up. Yes, the morning of today’s hike would be difficult, as we were walking up a very steep incline and then walking down a very steep decline. Honestly, walking up that hill was probably one of the most physically exhausting things many of us have ever done. I could hear the sounds of tears, cursing and heavy breathing as we all fumbled up the jungle path. What seemed to go on forever soon ended, as we were greeted by a high-five from Yuri, another animated group leader of ours, as he congratulated us for finishing the hardest part.

After the morning hill, we spent the rest of the day hiking through what seemed to be a jungle, as there was plant and insect life all around us. Tiptoeing through large red-footed millipedes and equally large green caterpillars, we finally made it down to flat land. With our feet hurting and our legs buckling under us, we walked through a construction zone and past an extremely large waterfall, which seemed to be the source of the large river to our left. My friend and I momentarily stopped near the waterfall to feel its mist surrounding our bodies, which was extremely refreshing. The smell of mint filled the air, as there was wild mint growing in the area. Finally, after walking for a while longer, we met up with the rest of the group who was enjoying lunch. After finishing my soup and as I was about to dig into my main course, the teachers informed us that we had a choice: either we walk another 10km to the campsite, or we take the train immediately. All of us, except for two strong souls, not leapt but bounded at the opportunity to ride the train. Scarfing down my meal in record time, we boarded the train and relaxed during the 20-minute ride. We had finished our trek, and Macchu Picchu lay just around the corner. That night was spent celebrating as we all high fived each other and gave each other knowing smiles. Yes, we Montrealers had done it; we had completed the Salkantay trail!

Looking back, I’m proud that we all had the courage and strength to pull through. Not only am I proud of us as a group, I’m also proud of how we all came through as individuals during the trek. In a way, the best of everyone’s individual traits shone through, which not only made for a strong group, but for very good company during the hike as well. Although it was difficult—very difficult at times—if I had the chance to do it again, you bet I would. —Isabelle Thibault ’11

Community Service Reflection in Lima, Peru – Duke of Edinburgh Gold Trip 2011

Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin

Ever since I was first introduced to the concept of community service in grade 7, I have attempted to draw a closer connection to why students were asked to allocate 15 hours minimum every year to help their community. With so many community service opportunities available to students, as well as such a busy extra-curricular life, it seemed to me that students often felt unattached to the reasons behind their efforts. When I was told that as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Gold trip I would have to complete four days of grueling community service in a small community named Las Palmas, I had no way of predicting that this experience would mark me and radically force me to rethink my preconceived notion of what it meant to help another.

The day after our arrival in Peru, we met students from Markham College, in Lima, who had volunteered their time to help us perform our community service, building a set of stairs upon a steep hill, which would allow the members of said community to reach their houses and get around with ease. It all seemed like a valiant effort on our parts. The arrival of the Canadians would improve the lives of the people in need. Little did we know that the next fours days would probably have a larger effect on our lives than of those people in Las Palmas. Upon our arrival at the work sight, we debriefed, talked about the needs of the community and what we expected to gain from our experience and, very soon after, we commenced what I’m sure was the most grueling work any of us had ever undertaken.

Our stay in Las Palmas challenged us to reconsider our reasoning behind why we chose to take part in this project. Working alongside the locals who took pride in the work that we were to accomplish in the next few days, we gathered sand and stone, carried enormous bags of cement up steep, sandy hills, made concrete and poured it into molds that we had previously created for the stair, prepared the platform for the stairs, etc. I can honestly say that this was the most demanding work that we had ever undertaken and although many of us questioned why we had accepted to perform such exhausting work, there was a single moment that for many of us, made it all worthwhile. After the first series of steps were built and dried, the students from the nearby school, all under the age of 10 years, joined us to relish in our accomplishments. Amazed by our work they began to run up and down the stairs with a look of sheer joy plastered on their faces.

I am sure that all of the students lucky enough to go on this trip will never forget their experience and how much they were affected by the chance to help a community in need. The work was not pretty nor was it prestigious, but never have I taken part in something so gratifying. It was so evident to us how much the community had appreciated our work and although our time was limited, how much our relationships with the people we encountered will sculpt our upcoming years.

Looking upon those steps on the last days, I could not help but feel a sense of pride, not only in our work, but in our attempt to learn about a new culture, to unquestioningly be prepared to undertake any of the work that needed to be completed, but most importantly, I was proud in our readiness to leave all comfort zones aside in the effort to create something so much bigger that a few flights of stairs in a small community in Peru. –Noah Schouela ’11