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

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?

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.”