Change brings new ideas, writes Penny Deathe
OPINION
By Penny Deathe
Flamborough Review
Wednesday, November 1, 2022
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” — Socrates
As the election campaign ends and we welcome new municipal leaders, I’d like to thank everyone who was willing to take a risk and put their names forward. Thank you for caring about our community and the challenges we face.
I’m looking forward to handing over my trustee role and working with the newly elected. I’ve had the privilege of serving an amazing community and I want to thank you for making my job an incredible experience.
One of the best lessons I’ve learned over the past eight years is that our education leaders care deeply about their students and, although we may not always agree with their decisions, they are made with the best of intentions.
Another famous quote by Nelson Mandela sums it up: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
On the subject of change, we at Healthy Youth Network are excited to introduce our new Ally Program (HEART) co-ordinator, Mackenzie Boers. Mackenzie has been with HYN for a few years, creating and posting our social media and assisting with the development of our online portals.
She is a graduate of Waterdown District High School and the University of Guelph, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and worked with the Consent Peer Education Program. In this position, her team organized educational events throughout the academic year, generated awareness of the program, and facilitated proactive bystander workshops.
Change brings new ideas, a new lens, and an opportunity to build on where we are. Every person leaves a footprint, some larger than others, but still an imprint of their commitment. Without these imprints we are forced to start from scratch and although it sometimes seems that’s the better option, it’s much better to learn from our past.
— Penny Deathe is the executive director and founder of the Healthy Youth Network. She can be reached at penny@healthyouthnetwork.ca.
