We recently caught up with Cyclebetes Director of Schools Cheryl Wilson- Stewart and talked youth, leadership, critical thinking and her passion for the Cyclebetes Spin-a-Thon Student Leadership program.
Grant: You are very passionate about the Cyclebetes school programs where does it come from?
Cheryl: HA! Big Question! I have always loved the influence of youth in my life. Three years ago when I began developing the Spin-a-thon program my daughter was preparing to leave for university so it was perfect timing! I had spent several years designing arts based critical thinking curriculum for Canadian schools and schools in Singapore. I love creating FUN opportunities that develop thinking skills. I love to see young people get excited about ideas, what they can create and know that the possibilities are endless. That really excites me…it’s my nirvana! So…while I miss discussing Kelly’s (my daughter’s) ideas on a daily basis I do have hundred s of high school students across the country!
Grant: You’ve said before that this generation is ‘different’? How so?
Cheryl: There has definitely been a shift from the previous generation that has long been tagged as one of ‘specialness’ and ‘entitlement’! These kids are (what I call an OH WOW) – they blow you away!
Grant: How are they as leaders?
Cheryl: I know it’s a generalization but they all seem to be natural leaders. As a whole they are intent on making a difference — they actually look for responsibility that they can assume and call their own! They are inspiring and they fill me with HOPE!! They have their work cut out for them but you get the sense that they will be the ones that get it right and fix some of the wrongs of those who came before.
Grant: The Cyclebetes Spin-a-thon Student Leadership Guide pretty much lays it out – do students simply follow?
Cheryl: The 5 and 10 STEP Guides are just that – guides. All Spin-a-Thons are different! I encourage student leaders to create an event that fits their school and their community. It’s amazing how different the Spin-a-Thons are! The student leaders continually come up with things that I would never have thought of!!! It’s an endless stream!!
Grant: So what’s next?
Cheryl: The Cyclebetes Spin-a-Thon 5-STEP Guide is brand new! I had feedback from some teachers and students who wanted a small event than the 12 or 24 hour Spin-a-thon and a shorter planning time line than the 6-12 weeks of the 10 STEP program. The 5 STEP is actually taken from the student leaders at Dr. Charles Best Secondary in Coquitlam, BC – they designed a week long – during school time spin that we loved!!! So we’re sharing it with everyone! It’s perfect for the Fall because it takes 3 – 4 weeks to plan and execute!
Grant: Any last words?
Cheryl: Only that I can’t wait to meet the new student leaders this fall and see what they create! I love the surprises…the energy…the commitment they bring to the Spin-a-Thon! Almost all of them have a friend or know someone who has type 1 diabetes they know how important it is to deliver on this promise to help find a cure! In the world of perfect jobs – mine ranks right up there!
Author: Grant Daisley Marketing manager of Cyclebetes and Capilano University student that’s an arms reach away from his degree. Catch up with me on twitter or on facebook.
Tweet it - Plurk This Post Buzz This Post Delicious Digg This Post Ping This Post Reddit Stumble This Post
I recently spoke to Cyclebetes BC Provincial Team rider Jen Aragon. We were not discussing the Can do! spirit per say. What was noteworthy is that it kept coming up and up and up!
