I Am Proud To Nominate...

For most people, public speaking is ranked as their number one fear.  Many people according to a recent study would choose financial ruin or death instead of public speaking.  Unfortunately, if you want to have any shot in politics, you need to be able to speak in front of crowds.  Needless to say, I had my first test of public speaking when I nominated my boss for the candidate in the next provincial election in October of 2011. 

Like most people, I had presented speeches in elementary school so this wasn't my first time speaking in front of a crowd.  The only difference with this speech was that I was speaking in front of some very powerful people, including my boss.  I had worried about this speech for over a week largely because this would be the first time I had ever spoken at an event like this and I didn't want to mess it up.

I have to be honest, presenting the nomination speech was scary and the whole time I was up there my knees were shaking.  But no one else knew that I was nervous and when it was all said and done I actually did a pretty good job!

For me this speech was more than just a nomination of my boss.  This was my first opportunity to deliver a real political speech.  Sure it wasn't the most relaxing thing I have ever done, but hey, life is about taking risks and I sure am glad I took this one!

 

A Seat Is Just A Seat, Right?

Who would have ever thought that sitting in a chair would be so overwhelming. I had sat in the members gallery and in the visitors gallery plenty of times, always looking down at the seats below hoping one day I would be elected to sit down there. Well, when I had the chance to go and sit in the very seats that Ontario's MPPs sit everyday I was shocked to say the least.  Here I was, an Intern, going to sit in a chair that belonged to some of Ontario's finest leaders.

I know what you are thinking, and no I was not suddenly elected MPP for Oakville.  I took part in a Model Parliament where young Ontarian's try out being an elected official for a day. This Model Parliament was by far the most exhilarating experience I have had yet at Queens Park.

The simple act of sitting in that chair made my passion for politics grow stronger. Now I had a taste of what being an MPP was like. 

The only thing is...I'm hungry for more.

History Is Right Across The Table

Very few times in a person's life will they come face to face with history. Like meeting a war veteran, meeting a former premier (who arguably led the most successful Ontario government - 20 years before I was even born) was an unreal experience.

It was inspiring to meet him, and to actually have a conversation with him. Often times meeting people who make history seems in a way surreal - sure they can be seen in pictures and history books but we sometimes forget that they are actual real people.

The very ironic twist about this whole story is that I was unaware of whom I was meeting with until about half way through the meeting. Then it hit me like a sack of bricks when I realized who I was with - Arguably the greatest premier of all time!

The pictures I had seen of the former premier were from his much younger days, likely why I didn't clue in right away. He began to tell stories of his days as leader and I was mesmerized. Staying professional in the meeting, and not asking for his autograph was quite a challenge.
Here I was sitting across the table from one of the greatest men in Ontario's history.

No history book can give you that!

The Man At The Corner Of Avenue Road and Bloor Street West

Surprisingly out of all the things that have occurred in this internship, and all the people I've met, I must devote a blog to the man at the corner of Avenue Road and Bloor Street West.

One night after work when a homeless man came up to myself and a group of coworkers as we were walking to a restaurant and asked us for money. As they all ignored him I thought maybe I should offer him some dinner instead of giving him some change? I took him to the McDonalds down the street and bought him a Big Mac and a coke.

Apparently in the city, giving them money is good enough but out of all the thank yous I have received in my life none were more memorable then this. It was like I had cured a disease or given him a million dollars or something. He said thank you close to 20 times and I have to say this experience was one I will never forget. After having a conversation about where I work, how he got to where he was, and about life in general he asked if I wanted to be a politician someday. I told him that I want to be in politics and that someday I want to be a politician. If my hopes of becoming a politician could be portrayed as a small fire this mans next few words would be like pouring gasoline on that small fire. "I'd vote for you man".

Something so little, meant so much to this man, and something so little as those five words meant so much to me.

Breakfast Sandwich and an Orange Juice

Here I am, standing outside the Ontario Legislature staring at the building where all the leaders of our province meet daily. It may have been because of the beautiful design of the structure that I was unable to look away however it is more likely that it was because I was about to walk into a building that would turn me, a 19 year old University student, into an intern for the Ontario Provincial Legislative Assembly.

Walking through the halls of the legislature was breathtaking. On the walls hang portraits of past premiers and speakers of the house. Would my picture be up there one day? Would my name go down in history as a great leader of Ontario? Thoughts like this were running through my head.

After meeting up with my boss we went to the cafe to have some breakfast and sat down with two gentlemen who were unknown to me. These two men were the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Transportation. Once my boss introduced me I was startled. Could I an intern from the suburbs of a small town actually be in the presence of two very well respected Ministers!? Am I really eating breakfast with them?

This was easily one of my most memorable breakfasts I have ever had! After conversing with the two Ministers I felt like a wave of confidence and excitement had swept over me. They told me how they started out in politics and it made me realise if they can do it then so can I. Now I had the fuel needed, and the determination required.

First Day

As soon as I walked into the meeting room I began to sweat. Was it the humidity or was it pure nervousness. It was the latter of the two. This was the first day of my new job, the first day of being an Intern.

This Internship was the opportunity I needed. This was my chance to make it big.

Upon entering the room one thing was very noticeable. Other interns were already thinking about their future career in politics and had planned out their way to get there. Many of them showed cut throat passion and drive for politics. They showed determination and focus. They unintentionally taught these things to me. The first lesson learned, observe your opponents, find their flaws, and exploit them.

Here is where the journey begins for the Intern....