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Setting a good example

Words and ideas are powerful. A kind word at the right time can make all the difference in a person’s life. Three weeks ago (Sept.

Words and ideas are powerful.

A kind word at the right time can make all the difference in a person’s life.

Three weeks ago (Sept. 6), in the Barrhead Leader we published a story about Bee Calliou Schadeck, a woman of the Michel First Nation, who not only survived countless acts of racism in grade school as the only First Nations student in her school, but thrived.

The question is how?

Yes, it took a lot of time, effort and self-reflection to get to the point where she is now able to pass along her story and those of First Nations’ individuals who experienced even worse bigotry and atrocities as part of Canada’s Residential School System.

Callihoo Schadeck in large part credits a bus driver who when she was in Grade 5, would always give her a smile and friendly good morning.

This seemingly innocuous action helped Callihoo Schadeck survive until she was able to build up her own defenses and fend for herself.

People of all ages, religions, and nationalities need to know there is a place they can go, where they are safe and accepted.

That is the point to Alberta government’s Bill 10, which allows students to start a gay-straight-alliance (GSA). If they are denied the opportunity, Alberta Education will step in and provide them with one. This will allow students who identify themselves in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning (LGBTQ) a place to go and get a friendly smile; a group to belong to where they are accepted for who they are. Barrhead Composite High School (BCHS) students can find safety and acceptance in their own GSA.

This can make all the difference in a student’s life. Ask Bee Callihoo Schadeck how important it was to find someone who accepted her for who she was.

However, just as important as knowing you are accepted and have value for who you are, is knowing that you can aspire to be something greater.

Last week, Mark Vriend, with the help of his son Max, brought in MacEwan University’s Griffins Volleyball team for a day of instruction with BCHS’s Senior Boys Gryphons team.

The purpose, on the face of it, was to help the Gryphons improve their technique, but really it was to inspire.

Vriend said it is important for people to see what they can achieve by providing them with tangible examples. This is what the mini camp was truly about.

So kudos to BCHS for providing LGBTQ students an additional avenue to know where they are accepted for who they are and to the Vriends for helping youth know they can aspire to more.

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