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The NSCF Blog

NSCF changes lives! Read some of our alumni's testimonials, stories, and more.

The Senate Debate that Changed My Life (by Benjamin Pope)

2/23/2020

2 Comments

 
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My name is Benjamin Pope and I’m from Baie Verte, a town of about 1300 on the north coast of Newfoundland. In May of 2019, I attended the 47th annual National Student Commonwealth Forum, which was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For most of my life, I was a very shy kid who hated the idea of speaking in front of other people. However, taking part in NSCF events like the Senate debate finally allowed me to break out of my shell (that, and the encouragement from the Planning Team members).

​The Senate debate is one of the most amazing things you’ll experience at NSCF. When the time comes, you and the rest of the delegates take your seats in the Senators’ chairs and begin debating. When I was there, we debated about some serious topics like banning single use plastics and lowering the legal voting age. Then, later on in the evening, we lightened up with topics like renaming Ontario ‘The Centre of Canada.’ The entire experience is like no other. I mean, how often do you get to dress up fancy and go to the Senate of all places?

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The most important thing I learned from my short time in the Senate is that you should never let your fears hold you back. Getting the chance to sit in the senate (let alone debate in it) is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would have regretted the entire night had I sat through the whole thing without speaking. Who cares what anyone else thought! Sure, many of the other delegates spoke much better than I did. The fact of the matter is that I spoke when I was afraid to, and that I am better because of it. I’m more confident. I give better presentations. I’m writing a blog post so that you, the reader, won’t miss out.

The best part is, you can too! It’s all because of a few words spoken in a distant city. If you’re thinking about applying to NSCF (or anything else for that matter), but are reluctant because you don’t speak in public or don’t like crowds or have never left home - it’s ok. Apply. See what happens. Don’t let your fear restrain you. Trust me, you’ll be missing out on a heck of a lot more by staying home than by spending a week in Ottawa. It’s like Wayne Gretzky said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
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2 Comments
Mabel Cole
2/25/2020 03:13:19 pm

I applaud you for speaking on the topic of shyness and how you overcame it
So proud of you,you have stepped out of your comfort zone .
It take something, that you care about ,to want to Express your thoughts .
Ben you have grown into one amazing, talented, creative young man that is going to leave his mark on this world.
Your generation needs to understand, learn ,listen to everyone and everything, in order to make your mark in the best constructive way.
The importance of going up with core values will substant you in the years to come.
Family and friends to encourage, raise you up and sometimes bring you down.
Take it all and learn from their words.
The opportunity 's you have been given ,and your wellness to take on the opportunities, will give you opportunities to move forward.
A voice is very important used in the correct context.
There is nothing more important in life then achieving your goals dreams ,challenging yourself to go further, dig deeper for that value that well keep you afloat.

It was a pleasure to hear your Blog.
More pleasure to have you in my family.

There is a quote:

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.

William W. Purkey

So proud of you .

Reply
Sadie Hewitt
2/27/2020 07:07:51 am

Reading this post Ben hit home to me.I was also a very shy person and very nervous about speaking at public gatherings,but it’s something I have learned to overcome,since I have volunteered with many groups in my home town,and on the Baie Verte Peninsula.Hats of to you.You will do well in whatever situation is presented to you.👏👏

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National Student Commonwealth Forum
​Forum national des étudiants du Commonwealth 
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Un programme de la Société Royale du Commonwealth, succursale d’Ottawa. ​



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