Almost 8 years ago, I came to know Corbin Smith. He was an eclectic gentlemen that had enough energy to power a high school gymnasium. I then got to know Corbin better when I hired him to be a Leadership Developer (LD = camp counsellor for aspiring leaders) at the OSSSA leadership conference I ran with my amazing counterpart Cody Paige. It was called, appropriately, DETOUR: Developing Excellence Through Offering Unforgettable Realizations.
Since that conference, I have watched that team of LDs grow, take on new challenges, and succeed greater than even they had anticipated. They have become actors, musicians, photographers, founders of youth-led charities (like Unity), and two even became UBC alumnae this past May! Corbin, on the other hand, decided to make his mark by traveling across Canada and documenting his journey by capturing what it truly means to be a Canadian. He quest: A Map Of Canadian.
He recently appeared on the CBC for his endeavour – watch the video here – and what caught my eye the most was the t-shirt he was wearing. Yes, that green t-shirt with a white street sign on it that all the LDs wore during DETOUR. The t-shirt that makes me remember what an incredible group of people we got to work with. The t-shirt that will forever mark the end of a great era, but the beginning of new possibilities. (It also remains the only conference t-shirt that is still in my closet.)
I wanted to share the happiness I felt as all these great memories flooded over me when I saw Corbin in his shirt. I also wanted to say thank you, again, to all of you who made that part of my life so memorable. We put a lot of energy into that team (and conference), and I am so proud of where life has taken you since our first day together.
As written in our letter to you in the DETOUR manual:
“We may be miles apart, but you will always be in our hearts.
Keep dreaming big dreams!
Keep doing good deeds!
And always leave time in your schedule for a detour!It’s time!
Wear your t-shirts proudly. They are the mark of true leaders!
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2 comments
Corbin Patrick Bradley Smith says:
August 11, 2009 at 11:18 pm (UTC 1)
I have a story to tell, and probably write.
It is about the amazing, awesome and life altering power that is found in a little, small action.
I think, when it’s all boiled down, I am probably talking about compliments. Maybe encouragement. Maybe it’s recognition. There is a small little action that is the synthesis of these things which is a life changing power.
Having been subject of this action a couple of time in my past has sent me on a course unlike any other. I doubt the people who were a part of changing the course of my life even know about it.
Matt: I hope this may serve as a kind of reminder for me to tell this story.
A wise friend of mine once told me:
“a good friend is someone who will hold you accountable. Someone who will call you out and remind you of the person that you want to be.”
Matt – I want to be the person who does not put off telling such a story for so long that I would no longer be able to share it.
Lynda/Mom says:
August 13, 2009 at 7:22 am (UTC 1)
Ahh – those ‘warm fuzzies’ really do make an impact! Matthew, I love how you recognize the accomplishments of others.