How I Learned to Sprout My Ideas

By: Maryan Sheikh-Ali (Sprout Your Ideas Camper- York University)

I have always been a huge dreamer. Whether it was through dreams of building a school overseas, or even starting my own nonprofit organization, I have always had a vision of making an impact on the world in a positive way. I always found it hard, however, to make my ideas concrete. What sounded ideal to me on paper was hard to translate into real life, and I would get frustrated, feeling like there was no place for me to start. I started to get discouraged, and felt uninspired altogether.

I initially joined Sprouts Idea Camp as a way to meet new people and have some fun before school started. The weeklong camp, which is aimed at students in Grade 9-12, was offered several times throughout the summer, and I thought it would be great to end of my break by attending the last session. Upon arrival, I met with some of the facilitators, and some of the campers, all of which were very nice. I soon realized that Sprouts Ideas Camp was so much more than having fun or ending boredom. 

The program not only introduced me to new friends and experiences, but it gave me something I often felt like I didn't have: a voice.

I was able to choose an issue that I felt passionate about; for once I had to not just come up with an idea, but turn it into a plan of action. Every day was dedicated to implementing a new part of our action plans, which helped me become better at time management. While it was difficult getting my ideas off the ground, I finally felt challenged, and was able to think in new, integrative ways. I was able to receive the support of leaders from the camp, and present my plan of action to a panelist of judges, which was both nerve-wracking and empowering. 

I finally feel like I can make a difference in my community, and I plan to implement the ideas I came up with in the best way possible!