Trinity Students Participate in U of T Women in House 2018
Each year, many students from Trinity College and the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program travel to Ottawa to participate in U of T Women in House. This program, aimed at promoting greater female representation in government, allows female students at the university the opportunity to shadow Canadian politicians for a day on Parliament Hill. Students witness political procedures, learn about gender equity, and engage in mentorship and networking with Canadian political leaders.
At the most recent session, which ran from February 28 to March 1, students enjoyed a unique opportunity to explore our nation’s capital. Participating in a special tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, and a welcoming networking reception, the students also had the opportunity to shadow an MP or Senator for a day.
Among the one hundred students that participated this year, 10 were from Trinity College and five from our Trinity One Program. Included below are the students’ reflections on their time in Ottawa and the benefits of the U of T Women in House program:
Trinity Student Participants in 2018 Women In House:
- Sydney Bradshaw
- Patricia Dimakos
- Grace Egan
- Enza Gurgis
- Jana Kurrek
- Heather Nichols
- Clara Pencer
- Venessa Sectakof
- Priyanka Sharma
- Kaitlyn Simpson
Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program Participants in 2018 Women In House:
Patricia Dimakos
Program: Sociology and Art History- Parliamentary Host: MP Francesco Sorbara
The opportunity to travel to Ottawa and experience Parliament Hill for the day through the Women in House Program was an unforgettable experience. This empowering two-day trip began with a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada followed by a welcome reception on the Hill where I had the opportunity to hear motivating speeches about the role of women in politics, as well as the different life trajectories of various Ministers and Members of Parliament.
The next day, I had the honour of shadowing MP Francesco Sorbara of Vaughan-Woodbridge on the Hill. The day started off as we attended the Finance Committee that focused on certain aspects of the newly released budget. I was able to chat about the works of the committee as well as language requirements for working in parliament with MP Sorbara’s EA Sarah.
The committee was followed by an Immigration meeting that MP Sorbara and I attended, consisting of around nine individuals who were either MP’s or worked in the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship’s office. Being particularly interested in immigration and refugee law, I was enlightened to see first-hand some of the important work done behind the scenes in the government on immigration issues, specifically pertaining to whether individuals who abided by government regulations were allowed to stay in the country and under what conditions. It was inspiring to see how passionate MP Sorbara was when talking about the stories of those who have personally come to him for assistance. I was surprised to hear that immigration lawyers can bring false hope to immigrants without status, and in certain circumstances, do more harm than good in their efforts to stay in Canada. Nonetheless, it was inspiring to see a balance of males and females around the table discussing these issues and to experience issues I have studied, in real life.
After the meeting, MP Sorbara graciously invited myself as well as his EA, Sarah and Parliamentary Assistant, Marjila, for lunch in the parliamentary dining hall. It was lovely to be able to take a break from the busy day and chat about the demanding schedule involved in working on parliament, how MP Sorbara maintains a work-life balance and how both MP Sorbara and his assistants obtained the positions they fill today. MP Sorbara also discussed budgeting, plans for canvasing, as well as different events that he would be attending as part of his busy schedule back home. I was surprised to see how hard-working and committed MP’s are on a daily basis, and how often MP Sorbara has to travel back and forth from his constituency to Ottawa, especially while raising a young family back home. After lunch we took a quick trip to the lobby beside the House of Commons where MP Sorbara described some behind the scenes processes involved in the Question Period. I was delighted when MP Sorbara thoughtfully introduced me to MP James Maloney of Etobicoke—Lakeshore, where I reside.
The day culminated with my attending the Question Period in the House of Commons. It was a lovely to hear MP Terry Duguid and MP Mark Holland shout out to the U of T Women in House Program and be strong advocates with other members for the importance of the representation of women in politics. On that note, I would like to thank Dr. Tina Park and Hon. Carolyn Bennett as well as anyone else involved in organizing this experience on Parliament Hill that I will forever cherish. Though I walked into this experience feeling intimidated, I walked out feeling welcomed, inspired and optimistic for the future of women in politics. I couldn’t be more pleased with the generosity and overall charisma of team Sorbara and extend my greatest thanks to them as well.
Grace Egan
- Program: Peace, Conflict, and Justice Specialist
- Parliamentary Host: MP Joyce Murray
I had a marvelous experience shadowing MP Joyce Murray from Vancouver Quadra for a day in Ottawa. On Thursday morning, we met at her office in the Wellington building, where she was going over her plans for the day, sorting through receipts, and discussing actions with her staff. She was working on two particular environmental initiatives at the moment: marine debris and the greening infrastructure project. These are projects she does in conjunction with her MP duties and treasury board activities, causes she works on because she cares about them deeply. Ms. Murray was an environment entrepreneur for many years before entering politics so she comes to the field with an important personal agenda in mind. More than anything, I found it incredibly admirable that she is working to create better environment for all Canadians, and from such an informed perspective.
As we were sitting with her, watching her tick off each item on the agenda to address this day, she pulled out a newspaper and directed her aide to an environmental article written by a prominent former politician. “We should get him on the phone before the conference in March,” she said, “He should champion this issue.” And like that, she set the tone for the rest of the day: she showed us not just that Canadian politicians work hard, but that they research, see the work others do, appreciate it, and want them to join their team. I was so impressed that MP Murray has not only a vision but she also thinks collaboratively and is open to hearing the opinions of others. “Let us put our brains together,” she said, even to the undergrads in the room.
We spent the rest of the day running from meeting to meeting. First, we went to the Digital 7 meeting with a few MPs in the Wellington building. After that ended, we helped her draft an email to environmental experts then hopped on the bus and went to the parliament building. We quickly grabbed lunch, munching away while we watched from the Government Lobby as she delivered a speech on the Canada Summer Jobs program. After this, we went to the Victoria Building to see MP Murray discuss the Nameblind hiring pilot project with a senator and her staff. Then we jaywalked across Wellington Street, running back to Center block so we could make it in time for Question Period. “Democracy is important!” said an aide as we rushed to get to the House in time.
Everything about my two days in Ottawa was wonderful, from touring the Supreme Court, to hearing speeches from MPs and Senators, to spending the day with MP Murray, to finishing it off with a very entertaining session of Question Period. I am so grateful to Tina Park and the Women in House program for giving me the opportunity to get first-hand experience of how our democracy works. I feel incredibly inspired by the many women in our government and all the work they do to make Canada a better place.
Enza Gurgis
Program: Political Science and History- Parliamentary Host: MP Terry Duguid
I had the pleasure of shadowing MP Terry Duguid of Winnipeg South on the Hill for a day through Women in House. This experience has opened my eyes to the demanding day of an MP, but more importantly the fulfillment that results from this influential position. Witnessing first-hand the hustle and bustle of federal politics allowed me to gain a new appreciation for those representing us in government, working tirelessly to create a more just and good society.
I began the day with a panel co-hosted by Mr. Duguid regarding Women Politicians and Social Media. It was inspiring to hear how female MPs deal with negativity on social media by consistently overriding it with the positive impact of their work.
We then chatted over coffee where Mr. Duguid answered my questions about how to navigate through the political world at a young age, how to maintain your authentic beliefs amidst strong party discipline, and how to make an impact in your community from every level of government. His passion for environmentalism was evident in his extensive education, early volunteerism, and even current projects, such as cleaning up Lake Winnipeg. As a member of the Coptic community, I found it refreshing to hear Mr. Duguid’s knowledge of our culture. We discussed the difficulty in being a progressive Canadian within a traditional culture and the importance of youth in changing the political stereotypes of misunderstood communities. Mr. Duguid encouraged me to get involved in politics as much as possible because it leads to wonderful and unexpected opportunities. I also learned a great deal from his staffers, Chitban and Emerson, who paved admirable paths in education and politics for themselves so young.
We then attended a stakeholder meeting with the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne regarding the protection of francophone women from domestic abuse. It was incredible to see how the Status of Women supports the projects of NGOs and researchers on a diverse set of topics regarding gender equality across Canada.
Question Period in the House of Commons was one of the most highly anticipated events of the day and truly brought my studies of politics to life. Mr. Duguid’s speech as the Parliamentary Secretary of the Status of Women during Question Period kindly welcomed Women in House and me specifically as his shadow! His words on increasing female representation were inspiring and gave me hope that many of our male leaders are committed to gender equality not just in parliament, but in every aspect of Canadian society.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from such dedicated public servants and would like to extend my thanks to the Woman and House Program and Tina Park for this wonderful experience.
Clara Pencer
- Program: Biology
- Parliamentary Host: MP Anita Vandenbeld
My time in parliament with Anita Vandenbeld was so much more than I thought it would be. I learned more than I thought I would, I got to see more than I thought I would, and I met more amazing people than I thought I would.
Following Anita for the day taught me how parliament operates and how busy an MPs day is. Anita’s day consisted of non-stop running from meeting to meeting and then multiple functions at night. However, even with this busy schedule, she was still able to give advice to Emilie (who was also shadowing Anita) and I. She emphasized the importance of doing what you are passionate about and how doing one thing that you love can lead to multiple different paths, some expected and some not. She also talked about how you can go into politics from multiple different career paths and degrees and not just from law and how our government needs a culturally and academically diverse group of people. This resonated with me as I am currently not in the pathway that you would normally think someone in politics would follow. While most of the students on the trip are studying political science or international relations, I am studying biology. What she said made me feel comfortable as I was able to see that there are many different paths that I can take with my degree, many of which I did not consider in the past. Before the trip I felt a little bad going as I was worried that I was taking a spot away from a girl who 100% knew she wanted to go into politics and would be able to gain more from the experience than I would. However, after hearing Anita talk I felt like I was deserving of my place on the trip and that it was not a waste for me to be selected for this experience. This is because no matter what path I chose to pursue, I could still end up being involved with the government and the lessons that I learned from Anita not only apply to parliament but other life experiences that I will have later on.
The final piece of advice that I received from Anita that really resonated with me was that when an opportunity arises, you have to be ready to take it at any moment. Anita was discussing this in the context of her background in the United Nations but even though I do not know if my future will bring me to the UN, I do know that this still applies to all sorts of opportunities such as conducting field research or helping out with conservation efforts. I found this the most enlightening advice that Anita gave. It really resonated with me and I think its applicable to anything in life. You have to be willing to take opportunities and risks in order to have these amazing opportunities and to make a difference.
Overall, I had an amazing day with Anita, Emilie and Anita’s legislative assistant Colin. I was able to see how committee meetings are conducted and the long process of how laws are made. I was able to watch Anita both ask a question during question period and conduct a field trip of parliament for fifth graders. It was a learning experience that I will never forget.
Venessa Sectakof
Program: Political Science and French- Parliamentary Host: MP Karen Vecchio
I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to Ottawa taking part in this cohort of the University of Toronto Women in House Program. I was immensely privileged to have briefly met my host at another political event earlier this year. However, the opportunity Women in House provides with quality one-on-one access is truly special. MP Vecchio was the perfect host to align with my own personal political views as my interests in her focus areas. As Shadow Minister for Families, Children, and Social Development I was able to hear her speak in the House to the Motion questioning the attestation in the Canada Summer Jobs Program application. Her confidence, poise, and friendly demeanor ensured that it was evident that she is both respected and influential on both sides of the aisle.
Both of her staff members Kim and Scott were very friendly and open with their experiences and paths to politics. Being able to visit their office and spend time with them over lunch I was able to see firsthand how a day is spent behind the scenes of an elected official in the federal sphere. In the afternoon, I was able to watch Question Period live for the first time, where Members like Pierre Poilievre ensured debate was lively and engaging for all those involved. As MP Vecchio is the Chair for the Committee on the Status of Women and there was an important meeting with her in the afternoon, so I remained in chamber. Being able to see what goes on in chamber when the cameras are not rolling and when there are so few parliamentarians in the room really provides a different perspective I was not anticipating as I looked on from the gallery.
I would like to thank MP Vecchio for being a strong female Conservative role model for many young women like myself who have started to take an active interest in politics and community organizations, but greatly benefit from hearing about stories from MP Vecchio and her career. Aside from her professional achievements and positions, I was heartened to hear about MP Vecchio’s ability to balance her family life and her career. The fact that she has five children and is such an accomplished parliamentarian is both awe inspiring and inspirational for so many young women that feel as if they have to choose between their career and having a family. I look forward to staying in touch with MP Vecchio and I look forward to staying tuned to see her continue being a role model and making a difference for Canadians.
Kaitlyn Simpson
Program: Political Science, Women & Gender Studies, History- Parliamentary Host: MP Pam Damoff
After a fun first day travelling to Ottawa, touring the Supreme Court, and socializing with some MP’s, I had the privilege of shadowing my MP for Oakville—North Burlington, Pam Damoff.
I had little information about what the day would consist of, but I was excited nonetheless. The day started off with coffee and breakfast at a panel on Social Media and Women Politicians. The panel was organized by The Pearson Centre and consisted of both women MP’s and community organizers discussing the unique experiences women in politics face in an online environment.
Pam was participating in the panel, but she had to leave early for another event.
After a coffee and chat with Francesca, the other student who was shadowing Pam, we made our way over to Sparks street at met with Pam’s co-op student, Elexa, who is a University of Ottawa student. Elexa escorted us to a meeting room where the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security was being held, which Pam was sitting in on.
The meeting was as interesting as it sounds. Given the Federal Budget had just come out a few days prior, the Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale faced many questions from all sides of the political spectrum. As well, the conservatives asked questions about Justin Trudeau’s recent trip to India.
Following the committee meeting, Pam had another meeting which was in camera. This gave us time to have lunch with Elexa where we asked her questions about working on Parliament Hill.
We then headed over for Question Period – or “QP” I quickly learnt was parliament hill slang – to watch Pam. Interestingly, because Trudeau wasn’t there, Pam was given the opportunity to sit in his chair. Given my seat, I could barely see what was happening during QP, but I was fortunate to hear it anyways.
Francesca and I had some one-on-one time with Pam after QP, where we took photos and talked about growing up in Oakville.
Overall, I had a rewarding time on the hill. Pam was easy to talk to and extremely grateful to be representing Canadians. I ended my day back on the Greyhound bus feeling hopeful, thankful, and quite tired. I would recommend this experience to any young woman – whether you’re interested in politics or not!
Margaret MacMillan Trinity One: 2018 Women In House Participants
Nora Moidu
- Program: International Relations (Trinity One)
- Parliamentary Host: MP Fayçal El-Khoury
As an Ottawa native, my life has always been surrounded by governmental affairs. As such, I have developed a deep-rooted interest in both international and domestic politics. From what I have witnessed, there is an undeniable lack of women within the field. The Women in
House program was a great opportunity to engage with both men and women—not only about addressing the issue of representation, but also about life on the Hill in general.
Upon arrival in Ottawa, the first activity we partook in was a tour of the Supreme Court. The tour was a reminder of the increases in female representation that have occurred throughout the years, as portrayed by the current distribution of Supreme Court judges, four women to five men. Later that night, we were invited to a reception with MPs, senators, and civil servants alike. I particularly enjoyed the speeches presented by MP Elizabeth May, and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett. It was refreshing to hear them not only speak about the struggles of women in politics, but also their personal political ventures, and their diverse backgrounds. At one point, the Honourable Bardish Chagger referenced how although we have progressed with female representation within the House of Commons, we should not stop until we’ve reached 33%… 50%… and (jokingly) 100% representation.
The following day, I shadowed MP Fayçal El-Khoury. He spoke of his support for the Women in
House initiative, and how his three daughters have shaped his worldview and passion for the cause. It was also interesting to hear about how he became engaged in politics, how he wanted to give back to the Canadian public after starting out as a Lebanese immigrant with just $500 in his pocket. He graciously took me out to lunch at the Parliamentary Restaurant along with MP Nicola Di Iorio, where we conversed about political issues around the globe.
One of the most enriching aspects of my day on the Hill was witnessing the Question Period from the Member Gallery. This session was particularly contentious seeing as the Prime Minister had just come back from his India trip, and the budget had just been released. The Women in House program was even mentioned by one of the Liberal MPs as an incredible initiative, to which the chamber responded with a fierce round of applause.
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. El-Khoury and the staff at his office for hosting me for the day, and making me feel especially welcome. Moreover, I would like to thank Dr. Tina Park, and the
Honourable Carolyn Bennett for creating this program and giving young women the opportunity to engage in the political sphere.
Abby Lessard
- Program: Trinity One: ES&L
- Parliamentary Host: MP Gordie Hogg (Surrey-White Rock)
I am a first-year student pursuing a Political Science degree so being given the opportunity to shadow a Member of Parliament as well as meet Cabinet Ministers and Senators was an opportunity that I could not pass up.
Our first day in Ottawa consisted of a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada and a reception. The tour was informative and prioritized the fact that female representation in Supreme Court is growing. That night our group attended a reception in the Center Block. I was a little nervous to talk with MPs and Senators, especially only being in my first year, but once the reception began MPs began approaching us and made the process a lot more welcoming. The evening was filled with inspirational speeches from many female and male politicians including Elizabeth May, Bardish Chagger, Raj Grewal and the co-founder of the program Carolyn Bennett.
I was paired with Gordon Hogg, a Liberal MP from Surrey-White Rock. MP Hogg is from British Columbia and was only recently elected as a Member of Parliament in a by-election this past December. Before that he played an important role in municipal and provincial politics. He served as the mayor of White Rock for ten years and a member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly, holding many different ministerial positions throughout his career including Children and Family Development and Minister of State for ActNow BC. Overall, MP Hogg has had a very impressive career provincially and will definitely have a promising career in the federal government.
My second day in Ottawa consisted of shadowing Mr. Hogg. The morning began by attending a heritage committee meeting about museums throughout Canada. Witness statements from museum curators and other professionals discussed the issues that Canadian museums face including: accessibility, support from the Canadian government and the new role that technology plays in the advancement of museums. This was especially interesting because one of the witnesses was representing a museum in Toronto.
My favourite part of the day was attending the Question Period. I think that this was a really interesting session to have been able to attend, especially considering the controversy of Justin Trudeau’s recent trip to India and the new budget proposal that was released just a few days before. Also, I was surprised to see how much hostility resides between the majority and minority governments and how loudly that it is vocalized during the Question Period. I was also lucky enough to hear the MP from my hometown speak during this time.
Overall, I had an excellent experience with Mr. Hogg, who ensured that I learned a lot and enjoyed my time on Parliament Hill. After my experience with University of Toronto Women in House, I have a greater understanding of not only women’s role in politics but also Canadian politics and the impact that politics plays in every aspect of life.
Shamal Haider
- Program: Trinity One: International Relations
- Parliamentary Host: Senator Ataullahjan
The U of T Women in House 2018 trip started with the tour of the Supreme Court which was interesting for me because it was my first time visiting. It was nice to hear about the history of the Supreme Court and the complex architecture. I also enjoyed learning about the
Supreme Court judges and their backgrounds.
The tour was followed by a reception. There were a lot of MPs who came to speak to us and it was very inspiring to be in a room full of such accomplished women. Their speeches were heartwarming and it encouraged me to continue pursuing my path to politics.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to shadow Senator Ataullahjan. Our day started at 9:45am when I accompanied the senator to the Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs. There were some very interesting discussions that I got the chance to overhear and given my interest in foreign affairs, I was very excited to be there. I learned a lot about the dedication senators have and all the hard work and discussions that goes into hammering out a legislation.
Next, I had the opportunity to join Senator Ataullahjan in the Senate where I observed Question Period. I was also able to drop in for the Question Period in the House of Commons. It was very interesting to see the contrast between the two. The atmosphere of the two rooms were completely different while the issues being discussed were similar.
I was also given a tour of the Parliament by one of the staffers. This was interesting because the tour was given by someone who knew the inner workings of the Parliament so it was a different take on the traditional tours given by tour guides. I visited the Library of Parliament and was also able to see the offices of the Minister of Finance and Leader of Opposition.
In conclusion, I had a great trip! It was a nice opportunity for women to see other women in positions of power. I think it fostered confidence and encouragement which is something everyone can use. Women in House is very unique in the sense that it is a non-partisan initiative which is a refreshing breath of air in a parliament that is aggressively partisan.
Alexa Kalsatos
- Program: Trinity One (Public Policy)
- Parliamentary Host: Senator Kim Pate
The day started early, but on February 28th fifty young women, including myself, were ready to embark on what was sure to be an incredible experience. Upon arrival in Ottawa, we immediately went on a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada. I have learned so much about the decisions made in the very courtroom we were sitting in, and to finally see it in person was a surreal experience. Later in the evening, we attended a welcome reception, where I was fortunate enough to be in the presence of many
Members of Parliaments and Senators. Their speeches were inspiring, and all came to the same conclusion that when more women are involved in politics, only good things can come of it.
The next day, I had the opportunity to shadow Senator Kim Pate. I was nervous, but excited and
Senator Pate and her staff welcomed me enthusiastically into their office. Senator Pate had a busy schedule, but I was luckily able to sit in on the majority of her meetings. The morning began with a stakeholder meeting with Mothers Against Drunk Driving on Bill C-46, a bill that proposes to amend aspects of the Criminal Code relating to drug and alcohol impaired driving. Afterwards, I was able to attend the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs which provided an eye-opening experience to the ways in which policy is made. Good policy takes time and it is the result of many different political actors working together, constantly revising each other’s ideas.
The other half of Senator Pate’s day was dedicated to Bill C-70, which would enact a Cree constitution and a governance agreement. While there is still so much more to be done, this act is a step in the right direction towards reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.
Prior to introducing the bill in the Senate, I attended a legislative briefing with Senator Pate. In the briefing, the senate’s changing role was emphasized as senators strive to create a less partisan and more independent space that ensures checks in the governance system. Bill C-70 is an example of the collaboration between the Senate and the House of Commons, which will hopefully be the continued pattern for increased Senate responsibility. I was lucky enough to watch Senator Pate sponsor the bill for a second reading in the Senate Chambers and it was refreshing to see the agreement amongst every member that this was not a partisan issue, but something the Government of Canada has the responsibility to do.
Despite Senator Pate’s busy schedule, I was able to have a few conversations with her. Her determination to stand up for what is right did not go unnoticed and her passion for issues such as Indigenous rights was inspiring. As an independent Senator, she is one of many leading the way towards the Senate becoming a non-partisan space and her commitment to her values was truly inspirational. I would like to thank Senator Pate for opening up her office to me and allowing me to witness a day in the life of a senator. I cannot wait to return back to the Hill and hear more about Senator Pate’s inspiring endeavors. Overall, the University of Toronto Women in House was an excellent program that truly showed the power women can have in politics and it was a wonderful experience to meet so many inspiring participants and hosts.
Suehyun Cho
- Program: Life Sciences
- Parliamentary Host: Senator Yonah Martin
Korea and Canada: how different can they be? As a South Korean citizen who arrived in Canada four years ago, I was fascinated by the differences in their healthcare, education, and government system. But where do I belong, and how may I contribute to each community with my hybrid cultural identity? I had the unparalleled opportunity to shadow Senator Yonah Martin, the first Korean-Canadian parliamentarian, who offered me a valuable insight as a female leader who was once trapped in her state of liminality with conflicting cultural values.
“My whole life was a prelude to this moment,” Senator Martin explained, as she spoke to the dozens of promising young leaders at the Forum for Young Canadians. Although she proudly represents the voice of ethnic Koreans all across Canada, her journey to reach her current position required sacrifice and dedication at various angles: she was once pressured to study something that she did not want to; her parents underwent immeasurable sacrifice to offer her the opportunities to succeed. This stage of metamorphosis strengthened her abilities to withstand pressure and conflicting ideals, which gave me a great inspiration as an “outsider” also struggling to settle into a different environment.
The day that I shadowed my host senator was a particularly busy day for her. Starting from the Forum for Young Canadians, the meeting with the Korean War Commemorative Committee, and the Senate Chamber proceedings, she had no time to spare. What surprised me the most is the amount of energy she had at the end of the day, despite the physically demanding tasks throughout the day. She had a sincere appreciation for her job that allowed her to make a difference for those in need and was always eager to reach out to further responsibilities that may benefit the community she represents. She was a perfect portrait of what I envisioned a leader should look like.
Watching the House of Commons Question Period from the Senate Gallery was one of the most memorable and interesting experiences of this program. It was indeed intense, as many would have assumed from the video recordings online; to observe the moment on site, however, gave me a different perspective. I realized what is being delivered to the public may differ from what is actually happening in reality. It broadened my understanding of the world beyond politics—there is always bias which may affect the general public’s perception of a particular topic.
As a science student, my field of study is quite distant from what most people associate with politics. It was, however, inspiring to see several parliamentarians whose backgrounds were also in the distant from social sciences. MP Carolyn Bennett, for instance, worked as a family doctor before being involved in politics. She insisted that being a doctor—listening to what the patients need, discussing what she could do for her patients, and resolving the conflicts from her patients’ opinions—resembled a politician running a country. This moment of being reassured that my background should not be a reason to be a leader in any field was truly empowering.
As Senator Martin emphasizes, “suffering forces heart to expand.” She delivered an inspirational message to me and the country’s youths that the will to overcome the fears of failure and unfamiliarity is the key to leadership. This two-day trip to the Parliament was an enlightening experience that engraved the fact within my identity that being a female should not be a reason to be excluded from leadership; behold Senator Martin.
Categories: Arts & Science; Student News