“You are powerful beyond measure.” Meet Beedie Luminary Orla Moore.
What is your field of study and why does it interest you?
I plan on majoring in psychology and I’m drawn to it because I find people infinitely interesting. There are so many things that make us the same, but also vastly different and having the opportunity to learn about people in that way is really exciting to me. I also believe through studying psychology I would have the opportunity to make a genuinely positive impact and this gives me hope.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Recently when on a call with my mentor I was expressing how I felt so tied to my grades and how it was really upsetting when I didn’t reach the standard, I had set for myself. She told me that there are so many ways to measure the value of education and how someone’s worth is not just tied to one single factor. It sounds simple, but the reminder that there are other meaningful elements in life was powerful because I realized in that moment how I was only being able to focus on what was right in front of me. Sometimes it’s nice to have a change in perspective.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
I think “The Process” because that’s what life is about right? It’s the process, the journey, not the destination.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
I stole it from Marianne Williamson, but my go-to mantra is “you are powerful beyond measure.” It’s an excerpt from my favourite quote ever written by her and it gets me through some days.
What was the last experience that made you a better person?
Working my part time job through covid had really helped me practice my patience, tolerance and empathy. This pandemic has been a tumultuous time for everyone, and people can be on edge, I’ve found that a little empathy goes a long way. Even just asking people how their days are going and seeing that maybe going out to buy their pet food might be the only interaction they are having has been a pretty impactful experience for me.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I just attended a workshop through Beedie Luminaries about motivation and burnout and one of the things that’s stuck with me was that people are supposed to function more like sprinters opposed to marathon runners. This means that we are not meant to be giving everything our all 100% of the time, rather in short productive bursts.
What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?
I think it’s great that intersectional feminism is becoming way more mainstream. The intersectional aspect in particular is what I find really powerful about the movement as its advocating for equality for everyone, true inclusivity As a collective we are responsible for shaping society and if society is built by us then we have the opportunity to change it. Standing up for the numerous communities which are currently being discriminated against and oppressed starts with education on the issues which is why the popularity of the movement is so great.
Who inspires you and why?
My high school creative writing teacher, Ms. Schellenberg, is still one of my biggest inspirations. She is someone who really cares about others and wants to see them succeed. Currently, while she is teaching full time, she is also furthering her education and working on her next big piece. She is a lifelong learner and a constant reminder to me that there is always hope. As a young writer having a teacher like that was everything and she continues to support and guide me today.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
In high school I actually started writing my own novel and though it’s still unfinished it’s something I’m really proud of. I’m still chipping away at it, hopefully one day I’ll have my full manuscript.
What is your favourite thing about being a part of Beedie Luminaries?
I have to say the community! Everyone is so supportive and inclusive. Despite being online I’ve made lots of friends and I’m still meeting so many amazing people. It’s a very uplifting experience and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.
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