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Meet Aiden
Social Activist
When Vancouver resident Aiden arrived at Branksome as a Boarder two years ago, it was with a sense of excitement about being challenged academically.
“I never imagined that I would also be able to affect social change within the school and wider community,” reflects Aiden.
A member of Branksome’s Gay-Straight Alliance, Aiden is now one of three student heads. “The alliance is more than just about young people coming together – it accomplishes something,” says Aiden.
That includes increasing education around issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students – and acceptance.
GSA celebrates Pride Week in October with various events. The goal of the GSA is to break down barriers that may be preventing students who are nervous or intimidated from joining the alliance. Aiden also wants to help voice the needs of transgender students.
“Having come from a public school, I couldn’t believe Branksome had people coming together this way. GSA is a safe, welcoming and accepting environment,” reflects Aiden. “It gave me the space to really become my own person.”
“Branksome made me feel like I belong,” Aiden adds. “I hope to leave Branksome with change that will further make the community more welcoming to everyone.”
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.*
*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.
*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Setting the new standard for girls' education everywhere takes collective action. From all of us.
