From Clueless to Changemaker
- Rielly Keeler
- May 18, 2024
- 2 min read
My Journey of Enactus
I’m going to be honest, joining Enactus last year felt like diving headfirst into a bowl of alphabet soup. Enactus? Projects? All I knew was that the Innovation Hub was buzzing about it, and apparently, it involved helping people. My curiosity piqued, I stumbled into a meeting, ready to learn about this mysterious club.
There, I met a passionate group dedicated to tackling social issues through business solutions. They weren't just talking about problems; they were building projects to fix them from "Air Sealing" which made homes energy efficient to "Repair Together" which bridged the digital divide bringing devices to those that need them most. These projects were making a real difference. I was hooked.
Learning Enactus
The more I learned, the more fascinating the club became. Did you know our chapter at St. Lawrence College is one of the oldest running clubs? They've been around for over a decade, tackling sustainability, wellness, and everything in between! Some projects even went global, impacting communities beyond our borders. It was inspiring, to say the least.
From Regionals to Nationals
Fast forward to this March. My Enactus journey took a thrilling turn at the regional competition. Here, teams from across Central Canada showcased their projects. I was no longer a newbie but part of a team presenting "Realms," our VR project designed to empower individuals to learn about emerging tech together. Witnessing the sheer diversity and impact of these projects was exceptional. It was a boot camp in social innovation, that I couldn’t get enough of.
Then came Nationals in Toronto. Talk about world-altering! Suddenly, I was surrounded by Enactus rockstars from every corner of Canada. Each conversation, and each project I learned about, fueled my desire to contribute more. It wasn't just the ingenuity of the ideas; it was the passion driving them. Seeing how these people ignited change throughout their schools, communities, and sometimes even the country, I was motivated.
The Power of "We"
These weren't just projects; they were stories of communities' lives empowered. It wasn't just about Enactus; it was about the magic that happens when passionate people come together. Professors, listen up: this is what experiential learning looks like! Business leaders take note: this is the power of social impact woven into business strategy.

From Pupil to Change Agent
The past year was a whirlwind of learning from inspiring mentors, professors, and the incredible projects themselves. But this year, the tables are turning. I'm ready to transition from student to changemaker. The ideas I've gathered are fueling my own initiative within the chapter. Sure, I'm excited to share our story at future competitions, but even more, I can't wait to keep making a positive impact on our community.
The Enactus Invitation
Enactus is more than a club; it's a movement for those who believe in the power of "we" to create positive change. So, whether you're a student seeking a purpose-driven experience or a business leader looking to make a social impact, Enactus has a place for you. Join us, and together, let's rewrite the narrative - one impactful project at a time.



















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