Applicant #10: Dex Dunford

Dex is a 20-year-old from Calgary.

Dex's video application:

Dex online:

+ Twitter
+ Facebook

Dex's current situation:

I recently graduated Mount Royal University with a broadcasting diploma. Through my studies I learned about television and radio production and performance. I got the opportunity to work with real world clients as well as people around the university. Now, I am looking for the perfect job that allows me to use and develop my skills. Check out some of the other YouTube videos I have uploaded for more examples of my experience including my wed series called "What the Health?" Happy voting!

Dex's blog post:

As I was working on my Young and Free application and running about my neighbourhood, I couldn't help but notice all of the campaign signs for the federal election. It's not as if I could have forgot though. We have been bombarded with news, sound bites, door to door volunteers and even phone calls. One news story that stood out for me was about young people voting. It wasn't one of the usual stories pointing out the apathy of young voters in our country. In fact, it was about the record turnout of voters under 30 to advance polls. There are about 6 million eligible young and free voters in this great country of ours and it's great to see so many want to become involved in the democratic process. I'm excited to walk into my polling station and cast my ballot alongside other young people who want a say in the future of Canada. I want our leaders to look at the voter turnout numbers and see that young people have shown up and will make sure they are held accountable. Our issues matter too and the beauty of an election is that it is one of the very few moments where our voice is just as loud and powerful as any political leader and any other person who calls Canada home.

I believe that the issues that affect the youth of this country affect the rest of the country very strongly. Many of us have already paid for university, or we are paying it off. There are others who are saving and working hard to earn a university education. University education needs to be a driving issue. Perhaps it will become one after every one of the 6 million eligible youth voters casts their ballot. An educated country is a prosperous country. Everyone benefits in a country where the youth have access to the programs that allow them to further themselves and their skills.

I heard an amazing quote the other day. It's a native American proverb that says, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." I think this is a powerful thought crammed into so few words. It's something our leaders need to keep in mind and something we need to follow when our generation begins to move into positions of power. Get out there, cast your vote and make sure everyone in Ottawa knows that the youth of this country really do care and we will not sit by quietly.

Dex