It’s been a challenging year for the Quesnel Ambassador Program. The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented much of the volunteering and group events couldn’t be held due to the virus, but seven candidates stepped up to potentially become one of three Quesnel representatives.
According to the ambassador program’s website, the first goal is to build leadership skills and improve public speaking.
“During the 6 month program candidates write and perform expressive speeches, learn financial management, are given lessons and opportunities to demonstrate appropriate social etiquette, and become immersed in many volunteer opportunities,” the website reads. “Lifetime friendships are made in this program as they connect through common interests in the community.”
The three ambassadors will be chosen from the seven candidates during a ceremony on July 2.
Here is a Q&A with three of the candidates.
READ MORE: Meet four of Quesnel’s candidate ambassadors
Jasmyn Sterling is sponsored by Green River Gold Corp.
Why did you join the Ambassador Program?
“I heard there’s a lot of volunteering experience, there’s a lot of events, you can put it in your college acceptance letter and its a good way to boost up your confidence, and improve your speaking in public. My main focus on joining this program is go have experience working with other people, improving my speech and public speaking along with writing speeches.”
Have you gotten what you wanted to out of the program?
“I have. I met a lot of new people, I learned how to write a speech, learned how to do meetings on zoom. It’s going really good so far.”
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the program.
“Do it. Take the opportunity while you still can.”
Claire Lejins is sponsored by Attitude South
Why did you join the Ambassador Program?
“My mother was part of the program when she was 16-years-old, and she actually won, she was Miss Quesnel. She inspired me to do the program. My sister was super excited for me. She was very excited about the dress shopping… It was a new experience. I had no extra-cirricular activities, and was looking to learn some new skills.”
Have you gotten what you wanted to out of the program?
“I’ve really grown with my speeches. I’ve never enjoyed public speaking, I’ve been doing pretty decently with my speeches and presenting them, which was definitely a goal for me. Just getting out of my bubble and being more confident.”
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the program?
“Try it and see how it goes. I learned a lot and it’s definitely something not many people get to experience.”
Jaeana Dumais is sponsored by Pam Devereaux Century 21
Why did you join the Ambassador Program?
“I was really young in elementary, and I saw the ambassadors at a Lakeview event and was so intrigued. I was like ‘oh my god, I want to do that.’ I did get a chance one day. I didn’t even reach out, they reached out to me. I ran down the stairs and said ‘yes, I want to join this,’ I was crying… she said ‘how old are you?’ and I said ‘not old enough apparently.’ I got another text last year, and I was so excited and happy to say I could join.”
Have you gotten what you wanted to out of the program?
“I was more excited to do public things, but I definitely learned so much, and I’m really happy I did join, because it’s a great experience. We’re very much digital now.”
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the program?
“I would say go for it. Full send into it. The worst that can happen is you learn something. I could not speak… I would shake around. I still do that, but I’m so much more confident.”
READ MORE: 2021 Candidate ambassadors introduced to council
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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