Eastern Ontario Leadership Seminar
Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow
Before my weekend at EOLS I only hoped that I could somehow make a
difference; when the weekend had concluded, I knew I could make a difference. The Eastern Ontario Leadership Seminar (EOLS) is a three-day event held each year at the Circle Square Ranch in Arden, Ontario. One grade ten student from each school in Eastern Ontario is chosen to represent their highschool as an ambassador. I was South Grenville’s ambassador, and as an ambassador you’re never sure quite what to expect - except a life changing experience.
When I first learned of the leadership seminar through the school’s guidance
department, I immediately wanted to represent my school, and in turn participate in such an incredible opportunity. To be selected as an ambassador I wrote an essay entitled “Marathon of Leadership” depicting the challenges and obstacles that Terry Fox faced and overcame, the extraordinary leadership he demonstrated, and finally, how his actions have affected me, as well as countless other Canadians. This essay helped me to be chosen as South Grenville’s ambassador, and has certainly started me on my path of
making a difference. If you’re given such an opportunity as this, take it!
First off, imagine waking up at 5:00 on a Friday morning, and after a two hour
drive, arriving at an old western-theme camp complete with a 15-foot teepee. Then consider being greeted by 2o excited volunteer staff members of EOLS. As I walked in the front entrance, 47 fellow ambassadors greeted me with cheers and yelling. I was given a name tag saying Andrew, and then those same forty-seven voices chimed in to ask my name. Good question - “Shannon . . . or Andrew?” Let’s just say I got a lot of laughs all weekend.
As the weekend progressed it soon became obvious that the ‘youth of today,
leaders of tomorrow’ were some of the brightest minds in all of Eastern Ontario. Each of the activities and games we took part in had lessons associated with them, be it everything from ‘think before you act’ to ‘just one person can make a difference’. Learning to ‘listen closely’ resulted in an ambassador reluctantly shedding articles of clothing until they ended up with next to nothing to wear. Our intelligence was often tested, leaving us questioning ourselves, and demonstrating that ‘at some point, everyone needs assistance from others’.
Only once a year can 48 ambassadors come together to interact with one another, challenge the views of others, and speak directly with panellists and keynote speakers. We had the opportunity to speak in groups of all sizes where we articulated our own views and expanded upon the thoughts of others. A person who tends to avoid public speaking at all costs, I found myself volunteering countless times to be on stage in front of approximately 75 people, until I lost my voice on the second night. However strange it sounds, I never once hesitated at the opportunity to do something, and it certainly started my path to making a difference.
I have made memories that will last a lifetime, and friends that will last just as
long. Losing my voice couldn’t stop me from talking, and even late into the night (or early into the morning) we ambassadors continued our discussions. When the staff say ‘lights out’ at 12:30, you know they don’t really mean it! The longest days and shortest nights of my life were experienced at this leadership seminar, but time seemed to pass quickly as numerous life lessons were learned.
For next year’s ambassador and anyone else interested in EOLS: when an
amazing opportunity like EOLS presents itself, let all your doubts subside. You will learn ‘how to think, not what to think’, understand that you can make a difference, express all of your opinions (until you lose your voice), and volunteer yourself shamelessly until everyone knows your name. Also, stay glued to the edge of your seat when listening to panellists and motivational speakers, make friends and memories that will last a lifetime, yell and cheer like your life depends on it, and most importantly . . . well, I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you! I’ve left out a lot of details - maybe next year’s ambassador can fill them in for you.
South Grenville’s 2006 ambassador,
Shannon Hargreaves
Posted 30 MAY 06 in Besides The Class
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