Why get involved with PWRDF? Chocolate…

By James Mesich, Youth Council representative from the Province of Ontario

Why do we take the big jumps in our lives? Why do we choose to join things in our community and try to make a difference? For some it is big epiphany moments when they realize they are being called to do something bigger. Seeing the guidance of God in their lives, some people take great leaps of faith to move cities, quit jobs or volunteer in places they never imagined. While this is true for many, some people have much different and not as inspirational reasons for what they do in life.

For me my journey to becoming a Youth Council member on PWRDF was never destined to be scripted for Hollywood. I was “Introduced” to the PWRDF justgeneration.ca program at General Synod where I was the Youth representative from the Diocese of Algoma. I use quotations because this is where my story truly changes from the grand epiphany moments that many people experience.

Why, you ask, did I first get interested in PWRDF? Well the simple answer is chocolate.

When I was pitched the idea of joining the Youth Council I was so overwhelmed with the events at General Synod, that continuing with more meetings was the farthest thing from my mind. Not to mention that the first time I was approached about the opportunity I was cornered with a group of the other youth representatives on a much-needed break from proceedings, needless to say my attention was not fully there. That was until I was offered chocolate…

That chocolate bar (fair trade) caught my attention and got me to stay for a few extra minutes where I heard more about the Youth Council and about PWRDF. As I listened I found my self warming up to the idea almost as fast as the chocolate was disappearing. When it was all said and done I sent in my application and followed through with the interview process, finally getting accepted and attending my first meeting in the first weekend of November.

When I think of the stories I have heard of the profound moments of inspiration mine seems to pale in comparison. While I thought about it though, I realize that my story could have ended differently if I had refused that chocolate. To me that makes it amazing in and of itself, even if that defining moment was my sweet tooth getting the better of me.