I was walking into Chapters the other day and my eyes started running wild. There is something about that place that gets my heart racing and my legs moving faster and faster as I walk. That may sound strange, but give me a second to explain and perhaps you'll agree with my reasoning.That place is filled with ideas. Creative ideas by people like you and me, that decided to pick up a pen and a piece of paper and start writing. Each book that stands on the shelves has a rich history; a history created by a person that wasn't afraid to share their thoughts and ideas with the rest of the world. That person decided to take a chance on the world and the acceptance that they may or may not receive from critics like you and I.
What kind of critic are you? When you walk into Chapters do you judge a book by its cover? Or, do you read the short summary provided about the book and make a decision from there? Or maybe, just maybe, you open the book and stand in the middle of the aisle for a good ten minutes reading the first chapter, and then decide whether you're going to invest your time in reading the rest.
As you board the plane to Ottawa, you're mind is going to be racing with thoughts, questions, concerns, and ideas. I can tell you from experience that your mind is going to be racing even faster when you walk through the doors of Carlton University and have your first opportunity to examine the space that you'll be spending a lot of time in over the period of the conference. In front of your eyes will display many creative ideas that youth just like you have come up with. These youth decided to take a chance; they rook a risk that critics like you would accept and appreciate their ideas. There are going to be speakers that take the time to come to the ACTIVATE Conference to speak. These people, like the books that sit on the shelves of Chapters, come with a rich history that is geared to inspire and motivate others.
How are you going to react to this environment, covered with ideas, opportunity for change and positive development? Are you going to judge it at first glance, and turn the other way? Or perhaps you may walk around a little bit, look at a few topics that will be covered over the conference and then stop there.
Here's my suggestion: Start by boarding the plane with an open mind. Leave your expectations and fears at the gate. Allow your heart to race a little faster as the plane ascents towards Ottawa. When you arrive in Ottawa, accept that your legs may walk a little faster than normal in anticipation for what is in store for you over the course of the week. Then, when you finally arrive at the doors of Carlton University and you have your first look at the space where the conference will be held, walk around and take in all the creative ideas and opportunity that surrounds you.
The opportunities, experiences, and creative ideas that will be shared and experienced throughout the week will only be there if you allow your mind to take a chance. Making a positive difference in your community isn't easy, but neither is writing a book. However, if you walk into Chapters there are hundreds, upon hundreds of books filling the shelves. What does that mean? It means that there are people that decided to take a chance at the world and succeeded.
So, take a chance on the world, open your mind to the possibilities and see what kind of book you may be able to write!
-Becky Molly
ACTIVATE 2010 Volunteer
