More on M, Episode 6: Part 2

Presenting Part 2 of the interview with our recently minted teenager, who is eager to discover more about...everything.

What makes you happy about the way the world is now?

It's changing a lot. And there's more technology so it's easier to do things.

Are you worried about climate change--you know, the Earth is overheating, too much plastic in the oceans, that kind of thing?
Not really. Like, I'll probably die by the time the Earth melts.

Do you believe there are aliens that live on planets beyond Earth?
Yes.
Why?
Well, first of all, I think that the Earth is just like a small snow globe. You know, the one you shake with snowflakes in it. Yeah, that's us, a toy for aliens, in a snow globe sitting on a cabinet. Okay, so like there's lots of aliens that keep us in a small snow globe. [Smiles mischievously] So we're some alien’s pets. We entertain them. We're like hamsters.

That's an interesting way of looking at it. All right. Next, sort of a serious question: what makes you sad about the way the world is now?
There's still animal testing for makeup and skincare products. I'm sad because animals die because of me.

Okay, so will that make you want to give up using makeup or eating meat?
No, I'll just use cruelty-free makeup.

What goals are you trying to achieve these days?
Getting better grades at school.

And how are you doing that?
I'm studying a lot. I go to a study group at cram school. Almost every day. Even though I'm busy with track. So, I'm studying hard.

And why, all of a sudden, do you want to study harder than before?
Because I realized that middle school is a lot different than elementary school. And the tests are a lot harder. And your grades will get you into a good school, or not, in the future.

What are your favorite social media sites?

I like TikTok and YouTube.

You've got an Android phone--what apps do you like?
Line. Because I can use it to message with my friends. I also like Shein for online shopping. It's really cheap, and there's a lot of cute clothes in it. You can get anything.

Do you have a favorite historical person or celebrity that inspires you?
Not really.

So who is the coolest celebrity for you?
Doja Cat. She's a really good rapper.

What about a sports star or politician?
I don't know any politicians. No favorite sports stars. I don't care. Okay?

When you compare basketball and track & field, which one is more difficult?

Basketball is more difficult because there's a lot of running. A lot more running. And it's also more fun. Track is good, too, but I just started, and I haven't gone into any competitions yet. But with basketball, you work together as a team and it's really fun when you get a basket and you win. Yeah--it's satisfying. So basically I like the teamwork.

Is there teamwork actually in track and field?
No. You basically just fight within yourself. Sometimes it's good though…

Maybe that's one reason why you're studying harder, because you're more disciplined? You push yourself.
Yeah, I guess so.

Do you think you're a good person?
Um, I guess so. Yeah.

And what makes you interesting for other people? Why do you have friends?
I've been to lots of other countries before age 10. My friends ask me about it.

And what about your experiences or language? Do they ever ask you about English?
Well, like they don't really ask me because they know I can speak it.

Overall, do you think you are nice or mean?
It depends on the person. My attitude depends on the person. I’m normally nice but mean when necessary. Yeah.

How many people do you consider real friends? Truly, really good friends?

Most of my friends. But the closest ones I have are four or five really close friends.

Are they mostly at school or on your track team?
They're mostly from my old school or on the track team.

Are you getting along with your sister these days?
She's kind of like in a bad mood because of exam season, but I tried to avoid her. So normally yeah, it's fine.

This question is how would you describe your relationship with your big sister? Is it's okay, or you avoid each other? Or maybe in the future you'll get along better or what? How do you feel?

As far as I know, after listening to my friends and their little sisters and their conversations, Elena and I are honestly not that bad. I see my friends and how they act with their little sister or brother, they can be super mean. So, compared to them we’re like, no problem. Parents overreact.

How about your relationship with your mom and me?

These days, you're really annoying. You always ask me to do stuff when I'm busy. But I guess you’re fine.

Do "they" give you an allowance?
Yeah, they do. But "they" make me work hard for it.

So they're pretty nasty parents then!
Yeah, yeah.

And these days, what do you want to be, when you grow up to be an adult?
It changes a lot. In the past two years, it's changed to two different things. I started with flight attendant. And then I wanted to become an independent businesswoman. And then it changed again. And now I'm back on being a flight attendant.

Anything else you want to say to yourself? That do you want to say to your future self?
No. I mean, "I'm good. "

The End

The Big Diverse: Celebrating Canada Day

I tend to be extra patriotic on Canada Day because I've spent so many of them outside the Great White North. Doing so does lends perspective. Nowadays, I have been thinking about the country's great experiment with immigration and how the resulting diversity is building a stronger country. And, I think, there is an aspirational element that is truly optimistic and could become a beacon to the world of what the collective future can look like. So don't muck it up, Canucks!

In a world grappling with declining birth rates and aging workforces, Canada stands tall as a pioneer, boldly betting on a massive new wave of immigration to fuel its economic prosperity. During the 2021 Census, nearly 1 in 4 people counted were or had been a landed immigrant or permanent resident in Canada, the highest proportion since Confederation. With the population recently surpassing 40 million for the first time ever largely thanks to immigration, growth shows no signs of abating. This immigration-positive approach allows us to establish a distinct international presence, independent of the shadow cast by our larger neighbor below the 49th parallel,  a.k.a. "South Canada."

One of Canada's defining characteristics lies in its vastness and its welcoming nature. Except for the Indigenous peoples, we all come from somewhere else. We are a young country, bursting with potential and untapped possibilities.

While our geography may suggest a diverse nation, the overwhelming public support for immigration is striking, especially from my overseas viewpoint. Most Canadians understand that embracing newcomers not only strengthens our economy but also enriches the very fabric of society. We cherish our core values of inclusivity and acceptance. I believe diversity is not just a checkbox to complete, but a source of strength to be celebrated. And it makes Canada more interesting.

Credit: Global TV or CBC TV?

Canada is opening its arms wide. We have space. And the right attitude that recognizes contributions from new Canadians enrich our lives and pave the way for a brighter future. And that recipe could be an example that influences the way the world evolves in the years to come. All this makes me proud to be Canadian.

Happy Canada Day!