Katia St-Jean embodies the spirit of commitment at every level. She has already logged no fewer than 377 volunteer hours, and this number will only rise between now and her graduation in June.
St-Jean, an enthusiastic Grade 12 student at École secondaire catholique Champlain in Chelmsford, holds the position of vice-president in her school’s Student Parliament.
When asked about her interest in politics, St-Jean said, “I believe what initially motivated me was joining the ‘Unis’ organization in elementary school. The group took an interest in community service, raised money and collected nonperishable goods, among other things. I’ve had a desire to assist those around me ever since. I was drawn to the Student Parliament when I started high school. I felt it would aid me in a future job and give me some incredible life skills. I also knew that by joining the student council, I would meet new people and become more supportive of my peers.”
In addition to her work as a student politician, St-Jean is a committed athlete, especially in flag football. She has contributed to the team’s success in winning the city championship two years running. An accomplished gymnast, she always adds a touch of strength to her repertoire, and participates in the school’s soccer, tennis and badminton teams.
“From a very young age, my parents put me on a variety of sports teams, such as ringette, hockey, dance, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics,” St-Jean said. “My mom has always been a diehard sports fan. She coaches several sports teams at the local elementary school and was an avid player when she was younger. She has been the biggest supporter of any sports team my brother and I participate in. … When I began high school, I wanted to try a wide variety of sports that I didn’t get the chance to play when I was younger. In Grade 12, I decided to join the leadership class at school to continue my involvement in school activities. I learned how to become a better leader and how to organize tournaments—it brought back the joy I had when I was younger, and fulfilled a wish I had.”
St-Jean said she is always ready to support all the school’s cultural projects and has taken part in the Fédération des étudiants du secondaire franco-ontarien (FESFO) forum on many occasions.
“FESFO is an organization for French high school students in Ontario,” she said. “Their two missions are to represent and defend the interests of youth and to bring young people together through enriching experiences allowing them to flourish in French. They hold many activities where you can meet like-minded people all over Ontario. It’s an opportunity that taught me many life lessons and skills I will cherish for a long time.”
Asked about her inspirations, St-Jean said she looks to her family.
“My life has always been inspired by my cousins. They have always participated in the community and offered assistance when needed, even at a very young age,” St-Jean said. “My cousin, who coaches the flag team at my school and is the offence coach for the new Laurentian University flag football team, has been my biggest inspiration and supporter from the start. Her dedication to what she loves is astonishing, and she never complains. Their involvement has inspired me greatly, and I aspired to emulate them.”
Her immediate family is also a source of support and inspiration for St-Jean.
“I wouldn’t be here without their tremendous help,” she said. “They taught me to never give up, even when I hit rock bottom. With their countless motivational speeches and support, they have helped me thrive as a leader and as an athlete. Without their unwavering support and their desire to see me achieve the things I loved most, I would not have been able to play on all these sports teams.”
One of the greatest skills she has learned, St-Jean said, is time management.
“What I consider my greatest success is being able to master my time management skills while also being able to manage academics, organizing countless activities as vice-president, my leadership class, multiple sports teams, my part-time job and a balanced social life.”
While she has no firm future plans at the moment, St-Jean figures it will be something in the medical field, or adjacent to it.
“My future plans are uncertain, but I do envision myself pursuing a kinesiology degree at Laurentian University, working in the medical field, possibly as a physiotherapist, and continuing to support others as they achieve success,” she said. “My biggest goal in life is to continue helping others without doubt for as long as possible. I envision myself volunteering to help treat children and adults in need in various foreign countries.”
Katia St-Jean’s words of inspiration
When asked for her words of inspiration, St-Jean quotes Mahatma Gandhi. “Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
