Laura is a recent graduate of Queen’s University where she studied Global Development and Political Studies. She is passionate about creative communications and is an experienced graphic designer, photographer and illustrator, utilizing these skills in her current role as Media & Communications Assistant at the Students on Ice Foundation.
What have been your biggest takeaways from the FXC program so far?
Laura: My experience with FXC was one of endless gratitude, transformational learning and a side serving of imposter syndrome.
If writing this blog is any indication, things are often a lot simpler than I think. I’m glad no scientist can guesstimate how much time I spend waiting for the right time or until I am ready to do what I want to do and turn into who I want to become. If I’m taking anything with me, it’s that learning and reflecting are both crucial, but the key piece I was missing was taking the next step to act.
My absolute favourite part of FXC was having the opportunity to be surrounded by a community of people who take action and get stuff done. They are a part of a community of doers, actors and changemakers working towards a better world. You see, I’m kind of the opposite, though I’m working on it. Often paralyzed by fear, I stay at the drawing board stage for way too long. It’s nice there. Nothing is real and everything is just chalk and Pinterest boards. I have ADHD too, which means I’m like a supercomputer with a broken printer, and every project I have ever started with high hopes goes to my project graveyard, as I quickly move on to the next idea.
When I was at the convening in Inuvik, elder Sarah Jerome shared with me a lesson she had always been taught - that we have a responsibility to the land, and all this waiting is not honouring that responsibility.
A reminder to myself, and to whoever else may benefit: Everyone has a different capacity for climate action, so don’t get caught up in feeling like you’re not where you’re supposed to be. Ask for help when you need it. Support other people. Repost on Instagram. Critically reflect on what you know. Call your Grandmother. If something is hard to understand, ask questions. Keep moving and don’t let self doubt stop you.
What would you like to share about your experience running your community engagement project?
Laura: I hosted an event called “Christmas Cheer & Climate Fear”. The goal was to encourage community gathering, celebrate the holiday season, and have an opportunity to critically reflect on holiday traditions that are embedded into our society. When I was planning my event, I picked a date in December and just stuck to it. Sure it was a little messy, I felt underprepared, and I stayed up until like 4am the night before drawing gingerbread people with conversation starters on them, hoping that I had done enough that people would walk away feeling fulfilled or a little inspired.
The event taught me a lot. Like how grateful I am for my friends in Ottawa that all helped out and stayed until the last folding table clanked shut. I realized there are people out there doing similar events and that I can be someone who supports, collaborates, amplifies and helps out where needed. People are just looking for a chance to connect with each other and their community, and discuss complicated intersectional topics over crockpot hot chocolate.
At the beginning of FXC, I felt like I was just an average joe who stumbled into a Zoom meeting with a bunch of really cool experts and do-ers who are so smart and insightful and I was just like “they won’t catch me, I’m just average and it took me three weeks at my new apartment to get a compost bin”. However, I now know that anyone can learn about climate action and policy. It is easy to get caught up thinking everyone else is smarter than you, or that concepts are too hard to understand. There is space for everyone to learn, and most importantly, act.
We are proud of Laura for challenging imposter syndrome and showing up to humbly learn, be inspired by others and to recognize that everyone can be an action taker. Her insights demonstrate how empowering it is to build meaningful connections among youth in climate action. We can’t wait to watch her be the spark of many more impactful initiatives.