The world will belong to fearless, lifelong learners

Story appeared in the 2018 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.

BY HAYLEY PICARD, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Each generation claims the world spins faster for them than the generation before. The attainment of skills and education through life experience has been a very different process for Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, Millennials, and now iGen.

LEFT: “I’m eager to experience the social diversity of Europe and travel by my own compass” - KYRA
RIGHT: “I’m going to New Zealand and South East Asia for five months to provide service.” - GEORGETTE
CENTRE: “WAGGGS is a great opportunity to explore different countries and apply my leadership skills.” - EMMA

In our current world knowledge-based economy, this year’s QMS graduates’ perspective is unique to their generation. Born between 1995 and 2012, this generation is characterized by psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge (Marcos, 2017) as advocates for equality; they are seen as practical hardworking individuals who are interested in attending post-secondary to secure a good job rather than for the mere attainment of knowledge. As the first generation to spend their entire adolescence exposed to smartphone technology, these young men and women learn differently than their predecessors, process information more quickly, are more adaptable, and see the world through a different filter. Yet the screen is iGen’s blessing and its curse.

The evolution of communication has fractured how humans interact, changed how we find meaning and fulfillment, lowered the frequency of face-to-face interactions, and created a generation of young people in search of real life experiences to provide perspective and personal connections. For iGen, the need to learn beyond the classroom is essential after high school.

Kyra Gurski (Explorer)

Kyra admits that her desire to explore has always been there. Her fierce independence, restless energy, and innate curiosity merely fed her wanderlust throughout her childhood. “I love travelling and experiencing the world,” confides Gurksi. “I have always had the plan to break out of my sheltered community after graduation. I think that it’s important to experience the larger world.”

Gurski believes that the skills and world perspective she will gain from travelling will be key to her future career as a teacher. “When travelling, I will be forced to meet new people and learn how to interact with them as I become immersed in their culture and everyday lives,” Kyra explains. “I’m eager to experience the social diversity of Europe and travel by my own compass.”

With her mind firmly set on walking the cobble stone streets of the old world, Kyra also has concrete plans to return to the new world after satiating her hunger for travel. “I have always loved working with kids,” she says. “After I came to QMS and started helping Mrs. Bains with the younger classes, I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

Emma Hender (WAGGGS)

With eight years of involvement with the Girls Guides of Canada, Emma inherently understands the value in strong personal bonds. Shortly after entering QMS in 2016, this graduate discovered influential leadership opportunities through the QMS Model UN program that enriched her existing knowledge. “I learned about, and became interested in, international cultures and how to represent them in a committee setting,” explains Hender. “Model UN, studying improv, and holding two captains’ positions this year made me more confident.”

Emma’s newfound self-assurance helped reinforce a strong post-secondary life plan: to apply for a volunteer activity assistant position working with the World Organization of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in Europe. “I want to travel between high school and university,” says Hender. “WAGGGS is a great opportunity to explore different countries and apply my leadership skills.” If selected, Emma will be stationed at either Pax Lodge in London, England or Our Chalet in Switzerland to assist guests with outdoor learning experiences, running indoor activities, administration and hospitality services. Lifelong learning experiences supported by education and reinforced by training are both essential in our modern world.

Following her return to Canada, Emma intends to pursue her dream of becoming a paralegal by studying criminal justice at Camosun College. “I don’t know what to expect in Europe,” she says. “I’m going with an open mind.”

Georgette Sumners (YWAM)

For Georgette, a passionate desire to give back and discover a deeper meaning to life is steering her post-secondary course. “I don’t feel like I am doing anything to help people when I’m sitting in a chair,” shares Sumners. “I feel I owe it to those in need. I have everything here. I’m privileged—so much so, it hurts at times.”

Georgette was inspired by peers who were returning from time abroad with Youth With a Mission (YWAM). This interdenominational global organization is dedicated to missionary work, championing youth around the world, and espousing the value of individualism. “These young volunteers come back with a thirst to help,” says Georgette. “So I’m going to New Zealand and South East Asia for five months to provide service.”

This iGen’er acknowledges that staff at QMS have also inspired her in the area of personal growth. “Ms. Nussbaum’s attitude toward life is incredible. She seems so fulfilled and has so much love for her students and fellow staff,” smiles Sumners. “It is people like her who make me want to be a better person.”

Before entering the University of Victoria to study environmental sustainability, this QMS graduate intends to enhance community cohesion around the world first, and in the process build her personal self-sustainability.

The Future

These three QMS graduates are examples of the courage possessed by iGen. These grads are eager to reach out into the world, have lifelong learning experiences and make meaningful connections off-screen.

Sources:
Marcos, A. (2017, August 22). Move Over, Millennials: How ‘iGen’ Is Different From Any Other Generation. Retrieved from The California State University: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/Move-Over-Millennials-How-iGen-Is-Different-Than-Any-Other-Generation-.aspx