Do Great Things Everyday. #My24hrs

I’m really excited to be teaming up with Microsoft for their new initiative, #My24Hrs. I am proud to be one of six storytellers sharing how we make the most out of every day as we are true to ourselves, our passion and our commitment to take action and create change.

We all get the same 24 hours.

So put aside your fears.

Understand potential alone won’t cut it.

And don’t wait until someday.

Because actions always speak loudest.

And doing is how you say to the world, “this is me.”

Do great things.

The campaign is all about using technology to do more and be productive with your 24 hours and empowering others to do the same! It is also about being yourself and doing great things with technology.

When I think about how I use my time to make a difference, connect, learn and grow, the one common thing is technology. As a blogger, speaker, activist and student, I am empowered by technology – literally. Every day I do most, if not all, of the following:

Social media – On platforms like Twitter, Instagram and We365, I can connect with others like-minded people, learn, explore and share.

Blog – On my blog, I can share what I am passionate about and I try to help others find their passion so they can make an impact and make the world a better place.

Internet – I spend a lot of time online doing research for my blog and for school. When I’m not doing research for something specific, I spend a lot of time looking at sites and apps like Do Something, Bystander Revolution, Upworthy, TED and Huffington Post.

Skype – I love that I am able to connect virtually face-to-face with anyone in the world anytime and use Skype to chat with friends and family while I’m traveling, to collaborate on projects or for interviews when we can’t meet in person.

Powerpoint and Word – I use programs like Powerpoint and Word for my schoolwork, blog, presentations and speeches.

My laptop – for all of the above, of course. (Thank you Microsoft Canada for upgrading me to the new Surface 4.)

Here’s the thing, we’re living in an amazing time with access to people, things and places because of the developments of the technologies that empower us. My role models and mentors Craig Kielburger and Severn Suzuki began their efforts as activists when they were my age – but that was more than 25 years ago – long before social media, Youtube and WordPress. Without a doubt, Craig and Severn changed the world, and I sometimes wonder how they would have used all of the technology that is available for me and my change-making peers today. I do not take for granted these powerful tools that I have access to every day.

Check out the amazing things that the other 5 storytellers are doing with their 24 hours here. I promise that you’ll be inspired, motivated and uplifted. Every day we are gifted with 24 hours – tell me what awesome things you do with yours. Use the hashtag #My24Hrs on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to tell us.

Thank you Microsoft Canada for upgrading me to the new Surface 4 and for including me as one of the storytellers in the #My24Hrs campaign.