Who inspires you?
Alex was a star student in the International Development (INDEV) program and a proud World Vision Youth Ambassador. Following her death in a cycling accident in August 2014, World Vision launched the #LiveLikeAlex campaign to inspire other youth to change the world.
After hearing Alex’s story in Grade 12, Cherie decided to literally follow in Alex’s footstep. First, she enrolled in the INDEV program at Waterloo. Then she became a World Vision Youth Ambassador and travelled to Rwanda. Eventually, Cherie took over as President of the World Vision student club that Alex founded.
And the lives of these two exceptional young women continue to intersect. In February, Cherie spoke at the Today’s Teens Conference where she learned that Alex was the last World Vision Youth Ambassador to speak on that stage. Then three months later, Cherie was selected to receive St. Paul’s Alex Foto Memorial Award. The award helps students who care deeply about humanitarian work to participate in field placements in developing countries.
For Cherie, following Alex’s example has been challenging and rewarding. But most of all, it has been affirming.
“This award has tremendous meaning for me. I've striven to live like Alex all my university years. To be recognized as someone who shares her spirit and drive is such an incredible honor. I truly hope I’ve made her proud.”
Cherie is also a student in St. Paul’s GreenHouse program and co-founded Devina, an ethical fashion retail business. She receives $1,000 to assist with her travel and living expenses while she completes an eight-month field placement in Bolivia. Cherie will be working with an organization called Ser Familia to empower youth, couples and family through education and leadership programs.