Yesterday, I walked into unfamiliar territory and it was glorious. I could feel the high energy all around me the moment I started for my main destination. The location was the University of Manitoba campus. Activity was buzzing everywhere I looked. The sun was shining, birds were singing and from what I can remember, not any signs of snow remained on the grounds. Students, professors and employees of the campus were either hustling to their next locale or simply sitting at tables soaking up the sun sharing a few laughs with their friends.

I walked into the main building appropriately called University Centre. What I just witnessed outside continued to carry on inside the Centre. Students were sitting at tables with laptops on, reference books open either typing away or you could tell they were deep in thought. What were these young people thinking about? How to start their assignment, how did their date go last night or were they thinking about something much bigger?

I got completely absorbed in the moment and drank everything in around me like I had been travelling the desert for days without water. I could not put my finger on what I was feeling. All I knew was that the energy was electrifying and alive. Then it hit me. I was walking, shoulder to shoulder, with our future business leaders, doctors, politicians and entrepreneurs. I was seeing our world’s future difference maker’s right in front of my eyes. When I looked into the faces of the young adults strolling the halls of the Centre, I saw excitement and joy coming from their eyes.

If you are ever feeling low, blue or simply in need of a little pick me up, I suggest that you head for your nearest campus. Walk among the youth and catch the energy bouncing off the land of hopes and dreams.