Probably every one of us has been in a conversation, in which someone (or us) would be blaming today's kids for lacking ambitions, discipline, stamina, curiosity, a passion for risk and adventure, and who knows what else.
Usually, I leave talks like that (especially when people see these contemporary tendencies from a close distance) being pretty frustrated and worried about what's ahead of us.
I agree, our habits and behaviours change as progress drives us forward with this unbelievable speed. Kids and youths seem indeed different from how my generation used to be some 30 years ago, and from my parents some 40-50 years ago, and especially from baby boomers, who are a unique bunch of people strongly influenced by war and post-war times and tendencies.
But are those kids worse than what we used to be, as many people would assume after watching them being more interested in gadgets than playing outside?
I believe we all are different, and we all have our strengths and weaknesses. I've met just a few young people here, and of course, don't know too much even about them, but I know Estevan has many very deserving leaders of different ages.
The recent events at the Estevan Motor Speedway reminded me of all the great examples I encountered and many more that I don't know about.
If we'd look at Estevan in general and check what's there for young leaders, I'd say we are in very good shape.
Ever since I learned about the story of Riley Raynard, he's become one of my role models, so his recent recognition was what inspired this train of thought. A young adult today, he's been racing since his teenage years and became a champ multiple times despite progressive muscle dystrophy, and has been strong and inspiring in what he does. He's proven by example that no matter what life throws at you, you can achieve everything and be anything you want. Isn't it great leadership?
Estevan has many other kids battling terrible diseases, and some who are not, who lead by example and who started shaping the community at a very early age. There are those who are inspiring and empowering others in their fights by becoming hometown heroes like Gage Goetz, who was born with several congenital heart defects and spent endless days in hospitals, and then bravely took on the role of a Miracle Child for the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, raising tons of money for others.
Payton Sernick, a former Saskatchewan ambassador for the Champions Program, presented by Walmart, and a former champion for Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, is another great example of strength and leadership. She kicked cancer twice at a very young age and became an inspiration for many others.
Liam McIntyre is another local kid who's been living with a disease (cystic fibrosis) and dedicated a lot of time and energy to raising funds and awareness to make this battle easier for others. And the list can be continued.
Then there are kids that pave their way in the business world, those who one day may become our new Oprah Winfreys or Jeff Bezozs. Take Anna Biggs' example. At just 11 years old she decided she wanted to learn about business, she got into it and is tirelessly working even though it's summer break. Or other kids the Mercury wrote about before, like Levi Garagan, who started his Just Jigs business last summer, also at the age of 11; or Charlie Hayes, the owner of Charlie's Lawn Services, who's been cutting grass and raking leaves for people in the community since he was 10 years old. And again, the list can go on.
We have kids like Jesse Gibson partaking in Telemiracle and opening up for big bands to mention a few of his big gigs, or Mavrik Espelien rocking on the drums, and many other young artists and musicians.
There are kids in sports that conquer their peaks at provincial, national and international levels. There are those who lead their peers in helping animals and people in the community. And those who help put up great events like 4-H show and sales. There are also those who build drones and write programs that will probably one day be something we can't live without.
There is definitely no deficit of talent.
This city was built the way it is by many great people, and it continues to succeed thanks to those tireless enthusiasts who choose to stay, live, grow and invest in Estevan. But I have no doubt that we also have a wonderful young generation that has all it takes to keep this place going, no matter what challenges we are to encounter.
Estevan has a great leadership base in any age group. And even though there are always many comments about how the kids are so different nowadays, I think there is still a great connection between generations. Today's kids don't take it all in, but they definitely learn a lot from parents and grandparents, they have their values in place, hearts in their chests and brain in their heads. Many of them know what they want, and learn how to get there pretty early.
And that's indeed very promising and inspiring.
