“You don’t need a dime to be charitable.” David McLean, the winner for the Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship and Port Metro Vancouver, the winner for the Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship are perfect examples of this statement. Even without the millions of dollars that McLean and Port Metro Vancouver have donated, the winners demonstrated that there is a multitude of ways to contribute back to their community’s. Not only did the winners give back financially, but they went above and beyond by donating their time, effort and knowledge as well.
As students, we often learn to network with a mindset of getting something in return; whether that is a job, a connection for the future or merely another opportunity to learn and grow. However, the deepest and most long lasting connections are embedded in ones where the individual seeks ways to offer what knowledge they have to share in return. The reward may not be immediate or evident but the relationships that are built through giving to others are invaluable. Rather than attaining short-term achievements, a genuine belief in this attitude is key for sustainable long-term success. While the Rix Award winners displayed this understanding on a corporate level, we can translate their knowledge into how we connect to others on an individual level.
Both McLean and Port Metro Vancouver demonstrated the understanding of what success truly is. Beyond money, success in life is achieved through emotional fulfillment. The night was concluded with Ralph Emerson’s poem, “What is Success”:
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
The poem perfectly rounded up the insights of the night: regardless of our age, experience, background or status, we all have the power to be successful. Utilizing the collection of our knowledge and experience, we are all wealthy and we all have the power to give back.
Cheryl has had experience with a diverse range of student activities which include her recent roles as the Director of Community Relations for BASS FROSH and the Sponsorship Executive for CaseIT 2013. She continues to be part of CaseIT 2014 as Creative Director. She is extremely excited to be a part of the Ambassador program so that she can broaden her insights andchannel her new knowledge into giving back to the Beedie community.