Introducing Me: A Draft of My Introductory Speech

This Is Me

          My name is Naomi. I’m 16 years old, and the oldest of three kids. I have two brothers, Thomas and Harrison. They are 14 and 11. I live with my parents, who are still happily married, even after 18 years.  I’ve lived in Lacombe for 4 years.  

I don’t think that I’m interesting, but I have a lot that I am interested in. I love scrapbooking. That’s how I document my life, and all the things that happen to me and my family. I love to bake. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, buns, pastries, breads, all of it. I love to read. I can’t stop. When I was younger, my teacher had to pick books out especially for me because I was so far ahead of everyone else. By the end of grade 1, I was reading at the level of a college graduate, so reading is also one of my strengths. I also love to write. I love it so much that I write essays for fun. I’m not lying. When I discovered blogging last year, and got the hang of it, I did it a lot. You could say that writing is one of my strengths, and on a good day, I might agree with you. Above all, I LOVE music. I play the piano, and I sing. I can relate to music more than anything in the whole world. It’s one thing that’s always there for me. When I feel completely alone and unwanted, I can listen to music, and feel okay again.

As for my strengths, I’ve already listed two. I can read and write quite well. I can think creatively when forced. I work well in groups. I’m super organized. My locker is in alphabetical order, and my binders are immaculate. I can’t be unorganized. It’s honestly impossible for me. Someone told me it was because I was undiagnosed OCD. I tend to agree with them.

I chose this class because it compliments my strengths, and I did really well in it last year. It was my best course, and I just really like it.

When asked about my future goals, I’m never sure if the person wants goals for my immediate future, or my 10 year plan, so I’ll share a little bit of both. I want to do well this year. This semester will be tough. Not only do I have this class, but I have all three sciences as well, but I’m going to work the hardest I can, and I’m going to succeed. If I stay positive, then I can do it. I want people to be aware of my goals for Students Union, and the position I hold. Those will be announced later, but for now, I’ll just say that I’m going to be incredibly dedicated to that. For university, I plan to go to the University of Lethbridge, and get a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. Anthropology, for those that don’t know, is the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.

I didn’t mention before that I love history. I think that there’s something for all of us to learn, somewhere in history. Maybe your life lesson can be found in the story of Joan of Arc, or the story of Anne Frank. Maybe Helen Keller or Martin Luther King Jr. can teach you something. If people would pay attention to history, but also understand it, the terrible things that happen in this world wouldn’t necessarily happen. Maybe there doesn’t have to be a World War III.

So there you have it. That’s me in a nutshell. 

Individual Assignment 5: Collective Consciousness

	What was the basis for each nation’s identity?	How do they define nation and nationalism?	How are the different and/or similar?
Quebecois	-needed to be distinguished from the people of France -political/linguistic distinction from the English population & from Francophones elsewhere in Canada	Nation: separate from one’s country---divided Canada, almost as if they didn’t accept the ideas behind a nation Nationalism: Exclusivity---didn’t want to be a part of the Canadian nation----saw themselves as a separate nation, one which should get special rights	Differences: more separatist, not as united in ideals as other nations Similarities: very proud of the Quebecois nation
First Nations	-needed to be separate from the “new” people of Canada -many different nations	Nation: see themselves as slightly separate from the rest of Canada, because of different cultural, spiritual, political, etc. Practices -individual nations have different beliefs Nationalism: united people -each nation has a different idea of nationalism	Differences: made up of many nations, rather than just one; mostly united in beliefs and values Similarities: proud of nations; feel separate(like Quebecois)
Americans	-founded through immigration -diverse backgrounds	Nation: a nation of culturally diverse, with similar values and beliefs Nationalism: very patriotic, love their country -united through their patriotism, which has many of the same values as nationalism	Differences: larger nation; united in “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” Similarities: pride(patriotism)

Editorial
How should Canadians identify themselves?

I was raised in the understanding that Canada is a diverse nation. We are all different, but we are all special in our own way. We may have different cultural backgrounds, but deep down, we all want the same things. We want to live our lives in peace, and be happy. Through experiences that I have had, I have learned to accept the differences of others, rather than berate or belittle them because of those differences. It is my opinion that we should identify ourselves with our differences, rather than our similarities. While our similarities might be important, our differences far outweigh those. We were born to be special. What would Canada, and the world, be like if we were all the same? Herein lies our answer. Identify yourself as a part of that diverse nation. Celebrate your differences, and love them.