Lloydminster’s Lindsey Buckingham recently returned from Ottawa after The Rotary Adventure in Citizenship program, which left a lasting impression on her.
She shared the experience with the Rotary Club of Lloydminster during the club’s Aug. 11 luncheon.
The trip took the 16-year-old and other youth from across Canada to Ottawa to learn about advocacy and Canadian history. She said they stayed at the University of Ottawa dorms and took part in many activities designed to teach leadership skills.
Read more: VIDEO/GALLERY: Lobsterfest success helps local charities
Club director, Wendy Plandowski, introduced Buckingham as “an amazing young lady” and a “stellar choice” to represent the community and said the trip is often “a transformative, life-changing experience” for students.
Buckingham agreed, noting the feeling of acceptance was powerful.
“This was the one place where I didn’t feel judged for even one minute,” she said.
She also spoke about the variety of experiences, including a welcoming bingo game, visiting the House of Commons and attending a citizenship ceremony. She enjoyed learning how to use one’s voice to advocate.
“You have a voice and you should use it,” she said, calling advocacy her biggest takeaway.
However, going east of Saskatchewan for the first time offered up a bit of a challenge and culture shock.
She described busy streets and different architecture with many brick houses, unlike in her hometown.
“There’s a lot more scenery, a lot more to do than little small-town Saskatchewan.”
The trip also included lots of little adventures and social moments.
Buckingham recalled dancing at a French restaurant, touring the city by bus and going to a museum that featured items found in the 1990s.
Her father, Aaron Buckingham, expressed pride in Lindsey and her brother, Zander, who’s also experienced the trip.
“To see the change with Zander, specifically when he went, it changed his career path and whole outlook on things. I expect it will do the same for Lindsey,” he said to Rotary members.
He added his family is “extremely grateful” for the opportunity the club provided.
One of Buckingham’s biggest takeaways was the lasting friendships she made.
“I’m still in contact with the girls I hung around with throughout the trip,” she said, noting she encourages other students to apply for the program.
“It was an amazing experience and I wish I could go back and do it again,” she said.
The Rotary Adventure in Citizenship program, helps young Canadians learn about their country and develop leadership skills. Lindsey’s story shows how one trip can open doors to new perspectives and confidence.
Read more: Column: The Rotary difference
