“Would you like the opportunity to voice your concerns and offer solutions that will help improve the way teenagers are being taught today in Ontario? Are you interested in sharing your ideas and advice with the Minister of Education? Then joining the 2011/12 Minister's Student Advisory Council (MSAC) is the best way to speak up and take ownership of your education. This council is made up of 60 students chosen from across Ontario who are passionate about their education and are willing to think big, speak up and take action to help other students. MSAC's main objective is to empower students to be the change. The council also allows you to speak up for people who cannot, and have your voice heard and your ideas put into action by your school, community and government. Students want to see active and dynamic learning, to have an education in which they have opportunities, choices, a balance between academic knowledge and life skills that are tied to society so that they can understand why and what they are being taught. MSAC allows you to have those needs met and concerns heard, and gives you the opportunity to talk with the Minister of Education face to face, while working together to make the Ontario education system the best in the world.” C.J. Bartell

“This group of students has become so close over the short time that we've known each other that we've chosen to maintain communication to remain close. MSAC is not only a large-scale vehicle of change, but also a catalyst for change within each individual. My eyes have been opened to many of the struggles that other students in Ontario go through, and I feel that I have gained a wealth of knowledge about the northern school boards. I highly recommend applying to become part of this group. You will not regret it.” Roger De Leon

“For me, MSAC was an amazing experience because I got the opportunity to speak to like-minded students from across the province, who all had a passion for speaking their minds and making our education system better for our friends and future generations. I learned so much from all the MSAC members, and I am very grateful to have had the chance to speak directly to the Minister about how I think our schools could work better.” Danny Zhang

“For me, being on MSAC is being a part of a wave of change. It's being able to contribute toward our future and education, and to people who will be the future student body. Adults are no longer the only people making choices for students; now we are at the table, voicing what we want. I learned so much when I became part of MSAC. I came to realize that the opinion of the average student could be heard and be considered important, not just by other students, but by the adults who facilitate the change. Now I can speak up with pride, knowing I can make a difference. On MSAC, each of us had one main thing we believed was important – poverty, equality, social change, the environment, nutrition policies, anything that matters to us as students. We spoke, we discussed and we debated, and now we're taking action. That is what change is about. That is what MSAC is about. That is what the student voice is about. Whether our large conversation is in person, at a meeting or in a telephone conference, change will come out of it. And you know what? I'm enjoying every single minute of it.” Tony Bui