Undergraduate / Social stigma/ YKNOT ; UNC / IMPORTANT PROBLEM I TRY TO SOLVE [6]

5. Carolina encourages students and faculty to solve problems. What problem are you trying to solve, and why is it important to you? (approximately 500 words)

The societal stigma that surrounds mental disorders has always been present. Like many, I previously thought that 'disability' was equivalent to 'dysfunction,' however my experience with YKNOT? changed my perception and understanding of an entire group present and prominent within society--individuals with mental disabilities.

My work with YKNOT? consisted of providing swimming lessons for children with mental disorders. The conditions of the children in my class varied, from ADHD to cerebral palsy, and it was working with them that sparked a complete evolution of my perspective. I came to love these kids with no second thought of their disabilities, and it was a shock when I listened to parents tell me stories of their children getting teased in regular swim lessons and the bullying that occurred within their schools. At first, I merely believed that the cruelty of other kids was due to their immaturity. That is, until a close friend of mine referred to YKNOT as a 'class of retards.'

That was when I realized that we have a problem in our society. If a friend could not understand that my kids are not 'retards,' how could I expect that of individuals with no relation to those with disabilities? The general public, with beliefs based on fear and misunderstandings, often negatively stereotype those with mental illnesses. With so many educators and policy makers sweeping the topic of mental health under the rug, there is a lack of instruction and awareness in our schools from a young age. I realized that I had to take action. (awks)

As a member of my student council and the Student Trustee of the Peel District School Board, I organized a mental health week with the assistance of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and spearheaded the promotion of the Mental Health Charter of Rights by the Coalition of Children and Youth Mental Health in my school board. Both initiatives encouraged students to learn and discuss issues related to mental health, bringing the topic to the forefront of discussion in schools and communities.

The response was overwhelming. Over 500 students participated in daily workshops that week and three months later, a Mental Health Charter hangs in the foyer of all 32 high schools in the Peel District School Board. At YKNOT?, my kids and I organized a Swim-a-Thon for the entire community, raising over $9,000 for the CMHA and collecting 8,280 signatures in support of mental health awareness. The signatures now hang on a banner at the entrance of the YMCA, a sign of welcome to all types of individuals.

At the University of Chapel Hill, I plan to become actively involved with Active Mind at Carolina, an organization of students dedicated to changing the dialogue of mental health. Through Active Mind, I can apply the logistics and event-planning skills I have developed as a Student Trustee to organize events that educate the UNC student body on all aspects of mental health - from the hard facts behind mental disorders to how to respond to peers suffering from mental illness. Through Active Minds, I can meet and collaborate with like-minded students passionate about making a difference with their education to create a more open and supportive environment for all. [blah idk some really nice summary one liner that's like BAM]

Undergraduate / Student politics to Event-planning ; Western Ivey AEO-My uniqueness [4]

The ideal Ivey HBA student has a wide range of interests, perspectives, and life experiences. Describe the uniqueness you have brought as a student to your high school based on your own interests, perspectives, and life experiences. Please be concise and respond using 250 words or less in your answer.

'You will not be taken seriously. You must wait until you grow up.' Growing up, having my initiative cut by adults was daunting, yet the feeling of being told I was inadequate because of my age made me realize the need for youth to make a difference.

Throughout high school, I have consistently provided a voice to my peers. In Grade 9, as a Grade Rep on my Student Council, I implemented a 'suggestion box' at school and gathered ideas to hold acoustic performances and runway shows. In Grade 10, I became the president of the Semi-Formal Committee, and through a voting system that allowed students to decide everything from themes to music, I ensured that by taking everyone's opinion, we were able to execute a successful night.

As the Public Board Council President of the Ontario Student Trustees' Association (OSTA), I represent over 1.2 million Ontario students. After students expressed their discontent with school cafeterias, I along with the OSTA Executive, launched Stickit, a national campaign to boycott fast food. After newspapers launched us into the spotlight, we met with corporate companies that supplied food to Ontario schools and at the moment, are discussing price reductions with Aramark to make cafeteria food more affordable.

In the past four years, I have been a proactive advocate of student voice through all my interests, from student politics to event-planning to youth leadership. Issues can be overwhelming, but to challenge these problems, both young and old must be involved. I realize that in the midst of the adult dominated world, students can be the drivers of change. We have a voice and we do not have to wait.

Undergraduate / QLEAD delegate; Queen's Commerce Prog - Research/ right fit [2]

In 300 words or fewer (approximately 1950 characters with spaces), please demonstrate the research you have done to ensure that Queen's Commerce Program is the right fit for you.

Growing up with a stock trader for a father sparked my curiosity in the world of business at a young age. In middle school, I enrolled into the International Business and Technology Program, and as I began to take courses in marketing, financial math, and entrepreneurship, my interest in the subject grew.

Throughout high school, Queen's Commerce has constantly been brought up in conversation as the best business undergraduate program in the country. After conducting research both online and talking to students who are currently in the program, I concluded that Queen's Commerce is in fact not only the best business program in the country, but for me as well. Through my network with DECA and Gordon Graydon alumni, I speak to several Queen's Commerce students on a regular basis, and I am continuously impressed by what the program has to offer, both academically and socially.

Academics wise, by offering a broad variety of mandated subjects in the first two years and the freedom of electives in the last two, Queen's' multi-faceted curriculum allows me to explore various academic interests before the option to specialize in a discipline of my choice. In addition, in a time during which corporate responsibility is vital, _________, I plan to [obtain?] the Commerce Program's Certificate in Socially Responsible Leadership. Last, I am particularly interested in Queen's third year exchange program, for I hope to complete an exchange to France to build upon my nine years of French education and develop a holistic understanding of European's business culture.

In addition, I find Queen's social environment particularly inviting. As a QLEAD delegate, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the closeknit community that Queen's Commerce has to offer. As a student who started her own venture projects in both grades 8 and 10, I possess an avid interest in entrepreneurship and hope to foster my passion through the various business opportunities at Queen's, specifically the Commerce Society's Queen's Entrepreneurship Competition (QEC) and DECA Queen's. Through QEC, I can ___________. Furthermore, through the Commerce Society's DECA Queen's and DECA Queen's Invitation, I can not only continue DECA but develop skills applicable to any career through presentations, case analysis, and problem solving _____.

Through my research on Queen's and specifically the Commerce program, I am drawn in by both the academic and social _____ it has to offer. As a Queen's Commerce student, I will be surrounded by a small class of intelligent and diverse individuals who are not only equally passionate about making a difference with their education, but having fun doing so as well. I would be honoured to bleed tri-colour.