Bijan and Mayor Brandon Burley.
Bijan Salimi, a Grade 11 student from Morden Collegiate Institute is serving as the Youth Council Member for the City of Morden.
What is a Youth Council member and why did you want to be one?
Essentially, the role of a Youth Council member is to make the City Council aware of issues that specifically affect the youth of the community and to advocate on their behalf. Having been involved in the community, I felt that this role would really provide the opportunity to provide a voice for the youth and to continue raising awareness on important issues that affect us.Do you think younger generations should be more involved in city initiatives and why?
Absolutely. After all, the future of the city will be in their hands, and immersing yourself in the inner workings at an early age is the best way to learn.What are the three most important issues to you, your friends and family concerning the city?
- Supporting the rich diversity and inclusivity of Morden.
- Tackling the effects that the drought has left on Morden.
- Supporting local athletics by building and maintaining basketball courts, outdoor hockey rinks, soccer fields, etc.How do you think your role can help Morden's youth residents?
By bridging the gap that exists between the youth and the city by providing feedback to Council and engaging with the youth on relevant topics.Are you interested in public service as a career or do you have a different passion you wish to pursue?
Public service is something that has piqued my interest for sure and I’m very excited to have this opportunity to explore such a career. I'm still exploring a lot of options though and it’s definitely tough to make a choice right now!What do you like to do in your spare time?
In the summer, you can catch me at our beautiful golf course or playing basketball! I also love playing hockey, piano, alto saxophone, and of course video games!What piece of advice can you give to someone your age that is unsure of what to do after high school?
There truly is no right answer. Look for volunteer and employment opportunities, explore what you're passionate about or even take a year off to travel. The most important thing to remember is that there is no rush, find what you love to do!
You can contact Bijan at youthmember@mymorden.ca
