Hi there, its me, Shaantih the intern. Not to be cheesy but it feels like just yesterday I started my position with SCGC and now my time is coming to an end. I couldn’t leave without writing for The Whale, what an honor; be kind with me as it is my first time.
My time as an intern in the has been nothing short of transformative, opening my eyes to the intricate interplay between human communities, government, and the environment. This journey has been filled with tons of discovery, where every step has revealed new layers of understanding and a profound sense of interconnectedness.
From the moment I met with Adam and Margaret, I was struck by their vibrant energy and passion for the community and the natural world. It became evident that the pursuit of a sustainable future is not an isolated endeavor; it's a collaborative symphony where passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, united by a shared purpose. Working alongside seasoned professionals, I was immersed in a dynamic ecosystem of ideas, where creativity and drive were apparent. This environment not only nurtured my own growth but also highlighted the power of collective action in fostering positive change.
One of the most striking revelations during my internship was witnessing the profound impact that a community driven by positivity can have on driving environmental initiatives forward. The challenges we face in environmental conservation often appeared daunting to me, However, within the folds of this community, I found a sense of community and optimism that i will take with me and share moving forward.
Perhaps the most significant transformation has been the way in which my passion for environmental advocacy has been reignited and intensified. Prior to this internship, I held a deep concern for the state of our planet, but my involvement had been limited to personal choices and occasional support for environmental initiatives. However, the immersive experience of working alongside experts and witnessing the tangible impact of concerted efforts has lit a fire within me. I now see myself not just as a bystander, but as an active participant in the ongoing narrative of environmental stewardship.
The internship has served as a catalyst for me, that has made me foster a steadfast commitment to advocating for sustainable practices and raising awareness about the fragile beauty of our planet and local government.
As I reflect on my time, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I've had, the minds I've encountered, and the lessons I've learned. My intern experience has taught me that every individual possesses the power to make a difference and that by working together with a sense of purpose and positivity, we can forge a path toward a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our environment.
I am so thankful for the SCGC team, a special shoutout to Adam and Margaret for giving me this chance and teaching me the virtue of patience at the same time.
Weekly News Digest - “The Blowhole” (Special AG Report Edition)
This is the spot where we normally share a few key news items that we think are important to keep your eye on; however this week there’s one main news story on everyone’s mind: The Auditor General’s report on the Ford Government’s handling of the Greenbelt.
Hold local MPPs Accountable for the Greenbelt Situation. This is the official press release we put out in response the AG Report. We believe it’s important to keep the pressure not just on Ford, but the MPPs who voted this through.
Why Ford is wrong to try and make this about immigrants. The Narwhal has done some excellent reporting around this whole thing, playing a pivotal role in even making the AG Report happen. This is an important response to how the Ford government is trying to deflect in the aftermath.
Join us for a public forum in Barrie on Sept 12. We’re hosting a public conversation around how together we can take action to stop this from happening again. RSVP at the link.
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