So last week, I took part in my first conference, representing TIG. The event, Change Your World, was at York University in Toronto. I could not have asked for a better way to start my 'speaking engagement' experience. There were high school students from across the province present, all attending the environmentally-focused conference, which itself aimed to inform and inspire youth to initiate or get involved in environmental or socially-active campaigns and projects, either in-school or outside of it. There were many organizations present, and I arrived just in time for the opening address. The featuring of spoken word artists from in and around Toronto was definitely the highlight for most in the audience, in terms of the opening ‘ceremony’ (I thought- although the smudging was cool too). After that, students dispersed to the various workshops scheduled throughout the day. TIG led three workshops- Jocelyn did the first one on her own, with Tami (TIG volunteer and fellow rep) and I contributing here and there. The next two workshops, I led the actual website tour, and Jocelyn and Tami answered questions and did the action plan exercise with the students. This having been my first speaking event representing an organization- I was beyond thrilled to take part and contribute. I can say with certainty- can’t wait to go to more of these events! There is little more gratifying than actually interacting and conversing one-on-one with TIG’s target audience- most of them being my age or a little younger. I had so much fun, and I got to check out York University- one of my options next year (I’m still deciding between U of T and York :/ Anyway, like I said, I look forward to the next one!