Ella McKinnon

I am hardworking and ambitious, with a drive to make the world a better and safer place for all. I am well culturally experienced, compassionate and rational, and I believe in learning from others, community engagement and standing up for what I believe is right. I am studious, determined and motivated, always looking for more to learn.

Peer Mentoring Award:

I was awarded the Peer Mentoring Award three years in a row for my volunteer work in the Special Needs Unit at my junior high school between the years of 2016 to 2019. The award was to recognize a student who demonstrates the qualities of caring, compassion, reliability and friendship to the students in the special needs program.

Special Needs Unit:

2016 - 2019

I was a companion for special needs students during class breaks. I took a lead role in fundraising events for the unit, such as selling sweet treats during class breaks and a successful haunted house. I also engaged the students in literature as I read to them students during breaks.

SPCA St. John's

I painted the faces of young children and oversaw game booths where I handled money and gave out prizes accordingly.

Creative Writing 

2018 - Present

• I wrote a fanfiction book as a teenager that earned 227 thousand reads over the course of four years.

• I write short stories and publish them on the website Archive of Our Own for free reading.

Poetry and Speeches

2021 - Present

I have written several speeches on gender and sexuality equality and a few poems on the matter. i.e. "The Hate for the LGBTQ+ Community", "An Open Discussion on Feminism", and "Gender Norms With A Gender Fluid Person" - see Portfolio.

Independent Language Learning 

• On my own and through school, I have begun to learn languages like Spanish and German. Though I do not have a certificate in Spanish, I have an A2 in German from my time living in Germany.

Pride Parade

2018

I walked the 2018 Pride Parade proudly. I was even featured on the Newfoundland Telegram Newspaper.

Anti-Abortion Counter-Protest

2023

I participated in an Anti Abortion Counter Protest alongside many young adults, adults, and members of Planned Parenthood against a group of people who were protesting against the right to accessible abortion.

Climate Strike

2019

I participated and walked in a Climate Strike alongside thousands of students striking for climate change action.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Counter-Protest

2023

I participated in an Anti-LGBTQ+ Counter-Protest alongside many young LGBRQ+ members and Heterosexual Allies. Together, we showed our support for the community.

Shallaway Youth Choir

2009 - 2020

Between the ages of five and sixteen, I was a member of the youth choir, Shallaway. Shallaway allowed me to be a part of amazing cultural concerts and meet amazing people from all over the world with the values of cultural appreciation, friendship, leadership and teamwork.