Some moments in life feel surreal, the kind that make you pause and think, “Wow, this is really happening.”

One of those moments for me was the day I got an email invitation to meet the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew. Seeing him often on the news made the idea of meeting him feel almost unreal, and yet there I was.

Elated and a little nervous at the same time.

The meeting took place in the Manitoba Legislative Building, a place I had seen on TV many times but never imagined I’d step inside.

Going through security, walking the halls, and finally waiting in his office was so unimaginable.

The anticipation built with every minute, and I couldn’t help but think about how incredible it was to be sitting in the same space as someone I had admired from afar.

After exchanging pleasantries when Premier Kinew arrived, our conversation quickly turned to a topic close to my heart: youth inclusion in decision-making. I asked him what advice he would give to youth just starting their journey in leadership.

His words were simple but powerful: “Start at the grassroots level. Find an issue in your community and take action.” There again is the reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or positions; it’s about identifying a need and stepping up, even in small ways.

We also discussed the challenges that come with leadership including the responsibility, the scrutiny, and the patience it requires.

But what resonated most with me was his encouragement for young people to stay involved, stay informed, and remember that our voices matter.

Walking out of that meeting, I felt inspired and more determined than ever to make an impact in my community.

Meeting someone I had admired from afar is a honor and a reminder me that leadership is real and tangible.

It is about real people working to create real change, and there’s always space for youth to be part of that story.