In July, Harjinder visited CNIB Lake Joe with two other youth from British Columbia for the Canadian Leadership Development Program (CLDP). This program offers youth who are blind or partially sighted an opportunity to come together for learning, skills development, social interaction and good fun. We spoke with Harjinder about her experience.
CNIB: Is this your first time at CNIB Lake Joe?
Harjinder: No, this is my third time! The first time I came here was for the SCORE program, the second time for CLDP, and now I’m here for the CLDP again. The first time I participated in this program, I wasn’t as prepared as I could have been. After participating in the program again, I am in a more comfortable mindset, can absorb the information better, and take it a step further. I enjoyed being a role model for younger participants new to Lake Joe.
CNIB: How does someone sign up for this program?
Harjinder: When I learned about the program, I completed the registration and an application form asking about my future plans and goals. I had to show how my involvement in this program would impact me. I’m someone who thinks that a leader is always growing and learning. A leader is never “done.” Even if you have the skills, refreshing them and re-learning them is important. I want to go into the education field and attend graduate school, which requires a lot of commitment. Committing to something like this program and being a leader for younger participants who are less experienced is important to me. When I was younger, I didn’t have that. I want to help get young people into the game as early as possible and connect them with role models.
CNIB: You participated in workshops and seminars where you learned about public speaking, advocacy, self-awareness and personal branding. What other activities have you participated in this week?
Harjinder: We went swimming and canoeing, we did some sailing this morning, the pontoon ice cream boat, and we made mindfulness beads and tiles to add to the mural.
CNIB: What activity did you like the best?
Harjinder: (Laughing) You can't ask me that. I would probably say all of them for different reasons. Each activity teaches me something new or gets me thinking in a new way. The best part is connecting with everyone and seeing their strengths in different activities.
CNIB: What do you think of the camp and the staff?
Harjinder: It’s great. I feel like a lot of people come here not knowing anybody. Like you come here the first day, and it's this awkward meeting. But at the end of the week, everybody is super comfortable. I love seeing that. Everyone goes from not knowing one another and being super nervous to everyone being of one unit and supporting each other. I think it’s incredible how that can happen in such a short span of time.