What are our alumni up to?

Nicole Burgess attended JKCS from grade 1-8 and graduated last year (2010-2011). Nicole now attends Iroquois Ridge High School and has become very involved there. She has been elected to the executive committee for Interact. Interact is a branch of the Rotary Club of Oakville which values "service above self." Interact is involved in numerous service initiatives and is a great opportunity to "give back" while partnering with leaders and organizations in the business community.

Nicole was recently selected as one of fifteen students from Iroquois Ridge High School to represent her school at the Ontario Leadership Conference. The conference was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Niagara Falls from November 13-15, 2011and was attended by over 2,200 students from schools all over Ontario. The aim of this conference was to provide the delegates with access to the best leadership facilitators and motivational presenters available. There were a number of workshops and keynote speakers that challenged the delegates to learn what it takes to become the next generation of leaders.

While at the conference, Nicole took away some of key ideas:

Three Steps to Success:

1. Never give up
2. Have a realistic plan to achieve success
3. Attack with confidence

Be aware of the little things that can help change the bigger picture.

You don't have to be in the spotlight. Doing something as a group shows unity and team work. Many leaders come together for a greater cause.

The definition of fear: Fear is what makes doing something for the first time feel like the hardest task. When you get over that fear, it gets easier with each attempt.

F-E-A-R

F- Fictional
E- Events
A- Appearing
R- Real

With this experience as a foundation, Nicole expects to apply these ideas to the Interact group's initiatives as well as to her approach to high school and life in general. Her prayer is to continue to develop as a leader under the Lord's guidance.