Shaping Saskatchewan: Sophia Young | Globalnews.ca

Making your voice heard at an early age can be difficult and time consuming to achieve.

For Regina teenagers, every young person has the potential to develop their strengths and become leaders in their communities. Following her passion for life was what inspired grade 12 Sophia Young to get involved in the city.

Whether it was environmental activism or advocating for a better youth transit in Regina, Young says he became an activist at a young age because he was inspired by countless unsung heroes within the community. increase.

She wants to motivate other young people to develop their strengths and take the initiative, just as she was influenced when they were young.

“I’ve seen so many people with big, strong talents and passions who want to explore, develop, and share with others. But sometimes there are those barriers, the boundaries that stop people.” said Young in an interview with Global News.

“I wanted to help everyone use the skills they have because we all deserve it and deserve the chance. No child should be left behind.”

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A student at Regina’s Miller Comprehensive High School, Young says she realized at a young age that nature and the environment were among the most important things.

When she started working on local activism, she became involved in attempts to improve transportation for the city’s youth and the Energy and Sustainability Framework for the City of Regina.

From there, she was a member of a community advisory group that helped develop the framework, with a particular focus on improving public transportation and advocating for active transportation.

Her work didn’t stop there, ultimately contributing to the Regina Transit Masterplan, a strategy that accelerated fare-free travel for young people under the age of 13.

“Nature was the only thing I ever had. The place is when I am outside and in the arms of nature, and having a safe place was very important to me.

“If you have something like that and you realize that you are putting yourself in jeopardy because you haven’t put the money or effort into funding or supporting it, it lights a light inside of you. It’s something and I want to keep moving forward to make sure it’s done… it’s protected. That was my spark.”

She wants to see other young people find their spark and become young leaders in the city.

“There are so many people who say they can’t do things because of their age, color or ability. You have to forget all that and remember who you are and who you are.” Stand up, what you can do.You need to take the initiative, get involved, bring others in and work together to build community.”

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