This Award Belongs to a Community
In February 2026, I was honoured to receive Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 Award presented by the Alberta Centre for Global Cooperation. It was a meaningful evening in Edmonton, surrounded by individuals committed to service, advocacy, and international cooperation.
Many people came out to celebrate, including MP Heather McPherson, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, representatives from the Government of Canada and Global Affairs Canada, and the Office of Mayor Andrew Knack. There were also letters of recognition from Mark Carney and other leaders.
But what stayed with me was not who was in the room or the award itself. It was what the moment represented.
This award represents communities coming together to make life easier for families and youth. This award legitimizes that work. It brings it onto a broader stage and makes visible the people and the effort behind it.
I think about my parents, who were my first supporters. I think about my teacher Josh Campbell, who believed in me early on. I think about Cameron Elser, my first mentor, who helped me build Better Bus Youth. I think about the team in Regina who worked together to advocate for fare-free transit for youth. None of this happens alone.
Now, it also reflects the work we are doing at Get on the Bus. It shows that what started as an idea has grown into something real. Not just for us, but for the partners, communities, and young people who are part of it. This is no longer one voice but rather a movement shaped by many.
That is what I am most proud of: the community behind this work. The people who continue to show up, support one another, and push forward ideas that make our cities more equitable.
This award is my way of saying thank you to them. It is a reflection of what they have made possible.
At its core, this is what Get on the Bus is about. It is about lifting young people up, creating space for them to lead, and building a future where mobility is accessible to everyone. Whether you are a student, a parent, a teacher, or a decision-maker, there is a role for you in that future.
We are continuing to grow this movement. More partners, more communities, and more people are stepping forward to say that youth belong in our cities and on our buses.
And this is only the beginning.
Sophia Young