Posted by Alexandra Russell on Sep 27, 2024
This week, we had the pleasure of hearing from Shae Reimer, who represented Rotary Halifax Harbour at the Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa last May. From exploring Parliament Hill and visiting historical landmarks to experiencing dorm life and becoming pen-pals with her roommate Rachel, Shae’s journey was full of impactful experiences.
 

One highlight was the Maple Farm in Quebec, where participants learned about traditional maple syrup making. Shae shared, “They took snow and poured maple on it right from the trees, then rolled it up and made these little sticks—it was so delicious.”

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Shae spoke about the friendships she made, saying, “I met someone on the flight up, and we just talked about music the whole time. Now, he’s a lifelong friend.” She also emphasized the impact of exploring her Indigenous roots during the visit to the Museum of Natural History, saying, "I’m still learning about my Métis heritage, but it was amazing to see how they really lived their lives."

When asked about her thoughts on citizenship, Shae remarked, “It made me realize how important it is to come together and be part of a community. I’ve never been in something like this before.”

Adventures in Citizenship, hosted by Rotary Ottawa, immerses young Canadians in civic life, offering them a chance to meet political leaders, experience Canadian history, and engage in discussions about leadership and democracy. It’s a transformative experience, one that Shae felt truly broadened her perspective and commitment to active citizenship.

We are so proud of Shae and excited to see how this experience continues to shape her future.

Attention local high school students! Keep an eye on our social media for future opportunities to take part in the Adventures in Citizenship program. You could be next to embark on this amazing journey!