By David He (YR 47/2022, Canada – BC)
Editor’s Note: Recently, young alum David He reached out to us to let us know what he’s up to and that turned out to be a bit of a global odyssey! We’d love to hear from more alumni about their adventures, lives, careers, families and whatever! Get in touch with alumni@pearsoncollege.ca and let us know if you have a story to tell – whether for publication consideration or just to keep us in the loop.
Being a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council was an experience that transcended borders. While our primary role was advising on domestic youth concerns, my personal mission was to globalize our reach. During my term, I had the honour of meeting with esteemed Canadian diplomats and ambassadors like Bob Rae and Ralph Goodale, among others. These interactions expanded my worldview and reinforced the importance of global cooperation in today’s interconnected landscape.
Shortly after my term concluded, an incredible opportunity arose. Thanks to the organization Young Diplomats of Canada, I sat behind our flag as a youth delegate at the G20 summit held in Varanasi, India in August 2023. The experience was both enlightening and challenging, as I found myself negotiating policy recommendations with my counterparts. These significant recommendations are set to be presented to world leaders in September.
After my tenure with the Youth Council ended in July 2023, I had a few more exciting things happen. I dedicated my efforts to serving Canada’s youth, voicing our shared concerns and hopes. But in a new role as a youth advisor to the UN Human Rights Office and the invitation to address the International Day of Peace in New York, my scope was expanding. Canada had been my starting point, but now it was time to amplify the concerns and dreams of youth from every corner of the world.
Throughout this journey, the teachings and support of Pearson College UWC remained my anchor. Pearson introduced me to the richness of global diversity, not just in thought and tradition, but in music too. The myriad of cultures and people I was exposed to significantly influenced my perspectives and tastes.
One profound realization that has stayed with me is the personal connection I now feel to global events. Whether it’s reading a New York Times article or discussing an international event in a classroom, I often find myself thinking of someone I know who’s directly impacted by that news. These personal connections bring a depth of understanding and empathy that statistics and headlines alone cannot convey.
In sum, my time with the Youth Council and the subsequent international roles have been transformative. I am deeply grateful for the foundational support Pearson offered me. Looking forward, I’m invigorated by the challenges ahead. Knowing that behind every global issue, there’s a personal story. I’m more determined than ever to continue advocating for a united, fair, and just world.