7 Life lessons for Success
I was fortunate to be selected to participate in the SOARING Youth Gathering hosted by Indspire in Halifax on May 12th and 13th. I decided to begin my trip to the East Coast a little earlier than expected and visited a national landmark, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.
Thinking about the purpose of a lighthouse, it felt like a fitting metaphor for the youth gathering I was about to attend. I sat along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, taking in all the possibilities these youth were about to experience, and found myself wondering: what more could I offer students who have their whole lives ahead of them?
When I applied to present, I decided I would share my life lessons for success in education. Reflecting on my successes, struggles, and achievements, I realized the best thing I could do was be honest and speak authentically, in the hopes that the youth could learn from my experiences.
Day 1
Walking into the event venue was incredible. SOARING brought together more than 1,000 Indigenous youth from across Turtle Island for a gathering meant to inspire and motivate young people in their life journeys. Youth from many different backgrounds gathered in their finery — ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, regalia, and modern wear — creating a vibrant crowd full of colour and energy.
Excitement buzzed through the air. After a morning of motivational speakers, the pep rally raised the energy even higher as the youth experienced performances from incredible Indigenous artists from across Canada.
My day finished with some last-minute changes to my presentation as I tried to make sure I could stay within my 20-minute time limit.
Day 2
Arriving at the venue in my dinosaur shirt and carrying a latte, I got to work. I found my space, practiced my presentation one final time, and waited for the learners to arrive.
I had the opportunity to deliver my presentation, 7 Life Lessons for Success: which I will share below
- 1. Have a goal – I spoke about how my parents helped to nurture my goals in life
- 2. Ask for help – I spoke about some of the mistakes I’ve made and how I had to seek help from others to over come barriers
- 3. Our culture is a gift – I shared teachings I have been given as Anishnaabe nini
- 4. Surround yourself with good people – I spoke about the folks I keep close
- 5. Perfection is a myth – I again spoke about the struggles and barriers I set for myself
- 6. Consistency is key – sharing how we can do anything if we do a little each day
- 7. Be a leaf in the wind – to be open to possibilities and say yes to opportunities that come your way
After my talk, while engaging with the crowd, one youth asked me, “Are you gatekeeping anything we should know to be successful?” It was a blunt but thoughtful question.
I responded, “I’m not gatekeeping anything, but if I had more time with you, I would talk about the research behind habit formation. Consistently practicing habits for 21 days can help you accomplish any goal you set your mind to.”
And just like that, my time was up. The students headed off to their next sessions, and I made my way to the airport with a smile on my face, hoping I had helped some of our youth create meaningful goals to strive toward.
Miigwech kina weyaa,
Chett
