Role models can inspire youth to stretch what they can imagine for themselves. The Amazing Race is coming to Canada for the first time, and hopefuls have until February 28th to submit their YouTube application videos. Twelve years after its debut in the United States, Canada’s youth will benefit from the opportunity to learn about their native country and meet some true role models of reality television.
Siblings Allison and Scott Graham of Midhurst Ontario are two Canadian hopefuls who have applied to be a part of The Amazing Race Canada. Allison is a twenty-six year old French teacher and Scott is a twenty-four year old engineering student at the University of Toronto. Both are highly athletic, competitive and engaging individuals. Despite their age, sibling rivalry is still comically clear between them, but they insist it is a good thing.
“We are very competitive with each other. It’s always been like that,” says Allison.
“I don’t know when it started, exactly,” Scott breaks in with a discreet elbow jab to his sister. “But we use it motivate each other now.”
Watching the two of them play ping-pong is like watching a professional tennis match. They love to ski, play hockey, volleyball and basketball. The real competition at home is with board games.
Both are also travel enthusiasts, and between the two of them have flown, ridden, sailed, biked and backpacked across and around over forty countries during their University years. Their take-away?
“We’ve learned so much about how much we have here in Canada…”
“…and met so many amazing people.” Yes, they finish each other’s sentences sometimes too.
While Scott and Allison could easily apply for a comedy show, there is also a quiet closeness about the two of them, and a strength of character. While they have had many great times together, it has been a very difficult year for their close-knit family.
Both of their parents have had to face sudden and advanced cancer diagnoses in the past nine months. Allison and Scott have been there to support them and cheer them on through surgeries, test results and treatment. The entire family is known for their amazing attitudes.
These are just two of the potential role models that Canada’s youth will get to know this summer.
Scott and Allison's video is on the left side of the page, but you can also watch it right on YouTube and leave a comment and thumbs up. Follow 'The Amazing Race' Canada on twitter @AmazingRaceCDA and join the conversation at #RaceCDA #graham2arc !
Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.
-- Albert Einstein
Did you have a role model who inspired you? Who? For me, it was the older lifeguards at the pool I worked at when I was 'Junior Staff'. Had it not been for their example, I doubt the idea of going to university would have even occurred to me! Please leave a comment to continue the conversation.
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