By Chad Polito
Special Collaboration
Ishiah Mercedes Samuels first came to BGC Dawson seven years ago when she was in Grade 6, joining the pre-teen program. She soon ventured out into a number of other programs including girls group and Raise the Grade, an academic assistance program for teens.
“She saw every opportunity that Dawson had to offer and she seized it!” remarks Darley Polony, Youth Programs Coordinator at BGC Dawson. Ishiah took on leadership responsibilities and was part of the BGC Dawson youth council for many years. “The teens program boosted my self-confidence and gave me opportunities to try things that I normally wouldn’t have tried on my own” says Ishiah.
Last year, Ishiah participated in This Way ONward, a youth employability program in partnership with Old Navy and BGC Canada. Through participation in this program, Ishiah was hired at Old Navy where she develops skills and confidence to succeed all while being mentored by Darley Polony. According to Darley, “Old Navy absolutely loved Ishiah and she was an incredible asset to the store”!
While in her last year of high school, Ishiah was the recipient of the Ted Rogers Scholarship which enabled her to pursue post-secondary education. Now in her second year at Vanier, Ishiah is enrolled in the social science program. “My mom was a single mother and I know how hard she works. I did not want her to have to worry about paying for my college education. The Ted Rogers Scholarship took that burden away and provided me with an amazing opportunity,” says Ishiah.
While at Vanier, Ishiah had a desire to give back to an organization that has provided her with so many opportunities. She is a regular volunteer at BGC Dawson and enjoys giving back through the weekly art program. It is her desire to become a mentor to younger teens. “It’s more than art… we have conversations about life and my hope is that the insights I share are helpful.”
Ishiah was recently nominated to join BGC Canada’s National Youth Council along with a dozen youth from clubs across Canada. The National Youth Council is committed to providing representation for BGC youth, reflecting issues and goals from across the country, and ensuring youth input into national initiatives and activities.
“I am not afraid to talk about uncomfortable issues and shedding light on them. I really wanted to join the National Youth Council because I feel I have a lot to offer and want to inspire other youth. I felt that I brought change within my community and wanted to bring that on a national scale,” concludes Ishiah. At BGC Dawson we can not think of a better ambassador and role model for children and youth. Congratulations Ishiah!
