280/365 – people to thank who have had an impact on me. I’ll admit it – I’m a bit, okay, a lot superficial. I really don’t pay attention to news or politics; however, I can tell you who got voted out last night from most reality shows!! Okay, if I’m being honest, I also didn’t vote for most of my life. I only started voting in the last 5 years. Before you lose it on me, hear me out. I felt that an uninformed vote was worse than no vote and thus, I refrained from voting for most of my life. I didn’t and still don’t trust most politicians and would rather not vote with the understanding that I can’t complain because I didn’t exercise my right. So backtracking – I was working at UBC and would have to do the hour long commute and one political season, all the candidates for mayor were on the side of the road with their entourages and there was Green Party candidate Michael! All by himself. For that entire week, he was there on his own every morning during the rush hour commute. Yes, the other parties had hordes of people waving signs and balloons but there was Michael on his own and that got to me. I did some research on the Green Party and realized that my views were totally what Michael and the party stood for. Yes, that was the first year that I voted because I felt represented because the party’s views were mine and I felt that my vote, although not making a difference in the overall big picture, mattered in that it was what I believed in. Fast forward about 5 years and here I am in a new teaching position at McNair and who is teaching with me but Michael! I am amazed by him! He is the first person that I’ve met who 100% lives by what he preaches – he started an Environment club. He created a sustainable courtyard. He spends countless hours outside of the classroom ensuring that students who are interested in things outside of the curriculum (other than sports – argggh!!) are able to express themselves and be a part of the school community. I also have to say that any event I hold – from a Cancer fundraiser to a social gathering to a reality pool invite, Michael is right there supporting me! I am so glad that I have gotten to know him over the last 4 years but I’m even happier that he has had a lasting influence on me because of his concern for the environment and our carbon footprint. Here’s to you my buddy Michael, I turn off extra lights in your honour!
randysangha 