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Sunday 31 December 2017

2017 Year in Review!

Later tonight I'll be posting some of my New Years resolutions and I talk a little bit about them.
But right now let's look back on 2017 and the year that was.

I'll start with the negative things because I want to end on a positive note. So let's get into it.
I learnt a few lessons this year, both good and bad. Some of them I learnt the hard way.

One of the things I learnt is this:  (the negative)
Life is full of ingrates, I deal with people who are completely ungrateful on a daily basis.
You can do so much for people, and go a million miles out of your way for them. You can do everything in you power to be there for them and support them in every way; provide them with wonderful golden  opportunities and great experiences but they throw it all away and spit in your face; they kick you to the curb and stomp all over you efforts, and they repay you by using you and stabbing you in the back. They ask you for favours to which you always oblige never ever asking for or expecting anything in return and then they just push you aside when they're done with you and you've served your purpose.
This world is a snake pit, you can't trust anyone but yourself, I learnt that the hard way. No one ever appreciates anything. You think you know people until they take you by surprise (in a bad way) turn their backs on you and betray you in ways you never could have ever imagined or expected them to do. You live breath sacrifice for them and then they show their true colours when their done using you.
 In some cases it might be they try and get you fired from your job, or perhaps caused you so much emotional stress that it made you want to quit your job, or perhaps it makes you want to move to a new neighborhood, or change schools, or eat at a different restaurant, or shop in different stores to avoid them. What's most hurtful about it is that you do what you do for them! They're the reason for everything you do and you do it all for them, and the reason you do that job, or go to that place. Whatever the case may be, ingrates are all around us.
All my life I've always let things go, and that's because my mom always taught me against revenge, even though I'd love revenge.
Well starting this year, no more Mr. Nice Guy, if people want to get on my bad side and/or make things personal  I WILL strike back and strike back hard when I have to. Actions have consequences.
At least that's what I would say, but stooping and lowering myself to other peoples level would be only too easy. I will continue being the bigger person because that's who I am, and while I am at it, I'll even say a familiar prayer for the haters. "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do."
Leave people like this in the hand of the Almighty, because He is justice and what goes around comes around.

I am disgusted with the amount of unfair hypocrisy and double standards one has to deal with when someone has a personal vendetta and conspiracy against them for seemingly no reason at all.
I don't know why people like to make a big deal over nothing at all. To quote a phrase from Sirius Black in the Harry Potter books,  "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."  I always try my best to be equal and equitable and treat everyone the same while still being true to individuality. But the same cannot be said for everyone else, which is unfortunate.
I just don't understand why people like to unnecessarily create controversy.
I understand better than anyone what I like to be excluded, and getting singled out and picked on. I've dealt with crap like that everyday of my life, even to this day. I know what I feels like when people in the community make it an unhealthy working environment and unhealthy working conditions. Causing emotional distress, and unnecessary frustrations. It would be easy to hold a grudge and have a desire to seek revenge. But as a Christian I always turn the other cheek and let things go. Sometimes it's best to just rise above the hate. As I already alluded to.
The problem with that is when you take that route people seem to continue trying to hurt and take advantage of you, because when you do nothing about it they feel they can continue to keep pushing you because you don't do anything about it.
Well this is a new year and from now on that all stops, because guess what, I'm all out of cheeks to turn. From now on I'm gonna stop being so damn nice! You cross the line with me I will strike back and strike back hard!  Sometime I think It's true what they say: "Nice guys finish last."
Now I'm not saying I'm going to stop being nice entirely and start being mean, but I will not allow others to take advantage of me any longer or any further.
Some may wonder why I share personal stories like this. Well not that I have to justify myself to anyone but, I do it to inspire and encourage others and give them hope who deal with the same nonsense I do!
I often wonder why some people hate humanity and the world for seemingly no reason; but I think now I finally understand why. Now I'm not saying I condone or support hate in any way or that it's ok, but I think at last I do understand why some hate mankind. It's because you open your heart to people and then they betray you turn their backs on you and stab you in the back.  When their done tugging at your heart strings they stab you in it.
These are some of the things that need to change if we are truly going to have peace in the world.


Now it wasn't all bad. There were also a lot of positive highlights in 2017 too! (the positive)

- I was a recipient of the 2017 TDSB Excellence Award!
Back on Monday May 15th I received this award, which validated everything I've done. I mentioned ingrates, in this case these are some of the rare people who are actually grateful! I was nominated by some wonderful people who I will not mention the names of. I want to thank them for their gratitude, loyalty, appreciation, support, and love for what I do.

- I became a qualified/certified teacher!
This was perhaps my biggest accomplishment this year! Being a Lunchroom Supervisor for going on five years now, it will be nice to work in a classroom setting, and not as a volunteer for once but actually get paid for it!

Published in new books again!
- I got published yet again in three more collections, two poetry, and one short story. I am proud to be featured in these three brand new amazing books full of wonderful fellow-Canadian talent!


Always remember that no matter what anyone may think, tells you, or says to you or about you, that you are worth it; and if coming here is a form of escape for you, if my blog gives you peace and if you find comfort solace and entertainment reading my writing then please visit as often as you'd like that's what this is here for!  ☺


Saturday 30 December 2017

Still time to pre-order "Passages of the Heart"

There is still time to pre-order the brand new collection of poetry "Passages of the Heart" which will my feature my poem, "Unity" and is set to be released in just two months!
I can't wait till this brand new book is published. The book will be released February 2018 and will be a limited edition hardcover book available exclusively from The Poetry Institute of Canada!

"Passages of the Heart will be a fine quality, hardbound deluxe volume of the best of today's poetry. It is scheduled to be published late February 2018. The anthology will be a  classic book designed to last a lifetime. It will make a beautifully distinct gift, a highly valued keepsake or a notable addition to any library."

I am so pleased and honoured to be considered one of the best poets today and I am extremely excited for the release of this new book in February 2018!

Passages of the Heart is now available for pre-order, exclusively form Poetry Institute of Canada!
Reserve your copy now! Click Here: www.poetryinstituteofcanada.ca/currentonlineorders.


Thursday 28 December 2017

2017 Year in Review - coming soon!

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday season! The year is winding down as 2017 comes to an end. We are just three days away from 2018 and the New Year!
I must say I am looking forward to it. The last bit of 2017 was rough for me and I had to deal with a lot of nonsense the last couple of months, and at times all year. Just dealing with difficult people putting obstacles in my way, as most of you can relate to I'm sure. Life often throws unexpected things in your way and you have to deal with all sorts of people things and situations that you never expected or saw coming.

I hope the new year will be of new beginnings and changes for the better for everyone! The world needs it!

This year I am starting something new. On New Years Eve, I will be posting a year in review and all that happened in 2017; reflecting on all that happened with me, my accomplishments, my challenges, my triumphs, my gains, my loses, and so on.  Be sure to check back and check that out on Sunday December 31, 2017 for a full look back at the year that was.

Thank you for always visiting this site! I appreciate all my fans and I thank you for loving and enjoying my writing as much as I do working on it! I can't wait to continue sharing more with you all next year! You have some very exciting stuff to look forward to in 2018, so keep it locked! 😉



Remember to hit that 'Follow' button and follow me on twitter and instagram @VickramBachan

Friday 8 December 2017

New story published in "The Stand" - New book AVAILABLE NOW!!!

NOW AVAILABLE!!!!  Just released, in time for the Christmas! Spend your Holiday season reading up on these amazing and newly released stories! This new collection of short stories "The Stand" features my brand new story, "The Will that Saved a Lost Soul" which I wrote earlier this year!


The Will that Saved a Lost Soul is a fictional story of a Canadian man named Cornelius returning home from war to nothing and with nothing but a lifelong childhood dream. It's not easy picking up from where he last left off, especially after everything he endured from the war. When all seems lost and he struggles to go back to a normal everyday life, help comes from the most unexpected of places in the most unexpected way that he never could have imagined.

Order your copy of this amazing book to read my story, as well as other great short stories, and find out what happens with Cornelius!

I recently received my copies two days ago, and I can't put this book down! Some absolutely incredible talent from great Canadian minds and imaginations in this book!



If you pre-ordered a copy you should be receiving it right around now. If you haven't ordered a copy yet, it's not too late. You can still get your very own copy of "The Stand" exclusively from
The Polar Expressions Publishing shop:
Click Herewww.polarexpressions.ca/Shop. and order yours today!  😊

Hope you enjoy that story!
Don't forget to follow me on twitter and instagram @VickramBachan
and follow Polar Expressions @PolarExpressions


New poem published in "Let's Fly Away" - New book NOW AVAILABLE!!!

NOW AVAILABLE!!!!  Just released, just in time for the holidays! Spend your Christmas season reading these amazing newly released poems! This new collection of poetry "Let's Fly Away" features my brand new poem, "Unnecessary Adversity" which I wrote earlier this year!

Unnecessary Adversity is a poem I think just about everyone can relate to. Like the title, it's about how people cause Unnecessary Adversity for others, constantly giving them a hard time, picking on them, bullying them, being in their way, and just being difficult to them and making life difficult for them.
I often hear people say "Life isn't fair" but that's not entirely accurate, it's often the people in life that make it unfair.
I hope everyone who reads this poem can find some comfort and peace, and if they take something away from it, let it be that they know they are not alone with this problem.

Order your copy of this amazing book to read my poem, as well as other great poems!
I recently received my copies two days ago, and I can't put it down. Some absolutely incredible talent from great Canadian minds and imaginations in this book!




If you pre-ordered a copy you should be receiving it very soon. If you haven't ordered a copy yet, it's not too late. You can still get your very own copy of "Let's Fly Away" exclusively from
The Polar Expressions Publishing shop:
Click Herewww.polarexpressions.ca/Shop. and order your now! 😊



Hope you enjoy that poem!
Don't forget to follow me on twitter and instagram @VickramBachan
and follow Polar Expressions @PolarExpressions

Tuesday 31 October 2017

Happy Halloween 2017!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
 
 
Wishing everyone around the world a safe and Happy Halloween. If you're going out tonight please be careful while partying or trick or treating and stay safe!
 
 
 

Monday 30 October 2017

Brand NEW poem "Ungrateful"

Tomorrow is Halloween, this month we also celebrated Thanksgiving and I didn't have a new poem then, but I am excited to share one right now!
It's been a while since I posted a poem, so here is a brand new one I just wrote today!  It is called, "Ungrateful"  Enjoy!
People never appreciate what they have until it's not there anymore. You should always be thankful and grateful for what you have, because once it's gone, it's gone, and may never come back. When some things are gone we lose them forever. Cherish what you have while you have it. Take advantage of the opportunities that have been given to you and you are lucky enough to have. Life is too short so enjoy it to the fullest!  And you should also always be very careful what you say and what you wish for.


Ungrateful
By: Vickram Bachan

I gave you everything
and you threw it all away,
How could you do this to me?
I don't even know what to say.

After all I've done for you
you stabbed me in the back,
A dagger through my heart
and an unnecessary attack.

My soul is ripped and torn
as you twist the knife,
all I do is love you
and you cause me so much strife.

You all betrayed my trust
and took advantage of my kindness,
I was always gentle, honest, and just, and
you made people believe things that are bogus.

I would never hurt
or do anything to hurt you;
you should be ashamed
and you know it's true.

I gave you all the best years of my life,
all the time and energy I put in and spent,
How could you? How dare you?
This is torment, I hope you repent.

We have so much history
and you leave it all behind,
how can you be so cruel and mean
when I am so kind?

You were my family,
my friends and my equals;
I treated and valued you so highly
but you sunk my heart like anvils.

I never wanted or asked for anything in return
but this is the thanks I get,
I don't deserve this at all;
thinking of the day we met even I now regret.

I can't believe it!
What have you done?
This is unthinkable
This is like arson.

You burned the bridge
that I work so hard to build,
we had a great thing going
until it was killed.

Why did you sever this beautiful tie?
When it didn't have to die,
You stomped all over it and spat in my face
I just don't understand why.

How can you be so cold?
How did your heart turn to stone?
You became an ingrate,
I never would have known.

I provided golden opportunities
and you squandered them all,
I always help you stand
but you just make me fall.

I do, and have done, so much,
but you appreciate none of it,
your treachery is an insult
and has broken my spirit.

How can you hurt me like this,
when all I ever did was love you?
I cared about you all so much,
more than you ever knew.

My life will not be the same
and you are responsible,
my only hope now
is turning to the Bible.

I may be able to forgive,
but you must make the first move,
I'm willing to take the next step
if it means things will improve.

Is this the end?
Well that is up to you,
Do you want to make amends,
or will this heartache continue?


Unfair bias, misconceptions, and sterotypes in the world

I want to share something that has been on my mind for a very long time. I've kept this to myself but I think it's about time I get it off my chest.  A lot of people talk about and support gender equality and equity, world peace, etc.. as they very well should.  They are some of the biggest hashtags on social media #GenderEquaility, #AllLivesMatter, #BlackLivesMatter and so on.

But here's the thing, many people say they support these while a lot secretly do not. People say it's something they believe in and yet they buy into common misconceptions.
We've all heard people say very negative, inappropriate, things that are all untrue, such as "All Black people are criminals" "All Muslims are terrorists" and so on.  Hearing these things makes me sick, it is very offensive and I hate false accusations on innocent harmless people. Please don't buy into the misconceptions that society forces down our throats and fall for those lies.
If you truly support and believe in something you can't just say so and leave it at that, you need to show it. Enforce it, promote it, and take action!

Speaking of all that, this brings me to gender equality and equity. For the last while everyone has been talking about supporting women's rights, and I do support this. Women are human beings and so are men.  As someone who works in the education field I am vulnerable and susceptible to the stupid typical male stereotype.
We see stories on the news all the time about males doing inappropriate things. Females have done bad things too but more often than not it's males.  This however does not define everyone, the world is not full all bad people. We all have both good and bad in us, what matters is our choices.

So here it is: Whether you are White, Black, Asian, Hispanic; whether you're Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or anything else; whether you're male or female, we are all equal, and all human-beings.  We cannot judge all people of a specific race, religion, colour or gender based on what other individuals have done, it's very wrong.  What certain individuals do cannot, should not, and do not define others of the same or similar kin.
We should not judge an individual for others actions. I am truly and honestly disgusted by the way people are labeled, judged, criticized, and treated for who they are.

We all deserve a fair chance at life. For some people who have done bad things they deserve the opportunity to see the light and get a second chance. Whether someone does something bad on purpose and strongly feels remorse afterward, or whether it was a moment of weakness or desperation and someone made a mistake, whatever the case may be some people deserve to be forgiven sometimes. I think the world would benefit more if everyone was more sensitive and understanding to one another.

Being a certain colour, and being a male is not something people choose to be it's what they are born as, it's how God made them.  This is the same message I tried to relay in my poems, "I Am Who I Am" and, "Who We Are We Are OneVersion 1 & Version 2.

So the next time you want to judge someone else, look in the mirror first because no one is perfect, including you.



Tuesday 10 October 2017

Happy Thanksgiving 2017!

I hope everyone had a great long weekend and a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with joy, loved ones, and lots delicious food. Remember to always be thankful for what you have not just on Thanksgiving day, but everyday.  Now it's back to business today.

One of the things I am thankful for is that I have the opportunity to write and share my poetry and stories with the world!  This year I have once again been published and will be included a few special collections.

If you haven't done so yet, now is a great time to pre-order Let's Fly Away and The Stand available exclusively from The Polar Expressions Publishing shop.
Let's Fly Away features my brand new poem Unnecessary Adversity, and The Stand will feature my brand new short story The Will that Saved a Lost Soul.
Both books will be wonderful rare limited edition paperbacks and will be released in December, just in time for Christmas!  Reserve your copies today! 😊

Images courtesy of Polar Expressions
 
 

Friday 8 September 2017

Published in "Let's Fly Away" New 2017 book COMING SOON!

NEW BOOK AND POEM COMING SOON!
Today I received some great news that I'm very excited to announce and share!  My brand new poem "Unnecessary Adversity" will be published in a brand new book called Let's Fly Away later this year! Let's Fly Away is a collection of poems written by Canadians from all across the country. I am proud and honoured that my piece of poetry was chosen as one of the best this year and will be featured in this amazing new book!
Image courtesy of Polar Expressions
Let's Fly Away will be a wonderful softcover book full of great new poetry from Canadian writers and poets!

Let's Fly Away is now available for pre-order and will officially be released this December, just in time for the Christmas season!

This book is available exclusively from the Polar Expressions Publishing.

Let's Fly Away can be pre-ordered by clicking here at The Polar Expressions Shop! www.polarexpressions.ca/Shop.
Reserve your copy now!











 

Published in "The Stand" New 2017 book COMING SOON!

NEW BOOK AND STORY COMING SOON!
I have some very exciting news to announce and share that I received today!  My brand new short story "The Will that Saved a Lost Soul" will be published in a brand new book called "The Stand" later this year!  "The Stand" is a collection of short stories written by Canadians from all across the nation. I am proud and honoured that my story was chosen as one of the best this year and will be featured in this amazing new book!
Image courtesy of Polar Expressions
 
The Stand will be a wonderful paperback book full of great new short stories from Canadian writers!

This book is now available for pre-order and will officially be released this December, just in time for the Holidays!

The Stand is available exclusively from the Polar Expressions Publishing.

You can pre-order The Stand  here from The Polar Expressions shop. www.polarexpressions.ca/Shop.
Reserve your copy today!










Wednesday 6 September 2017

Poem published in "Passages of the Heart" Coming soon!

 NEW Book coming soon!
 

Today I received some good news and I am excited to announce that my poem, "Unity" will be published in a brand new book titled "Passages of the Heart" which will be  released in February 2018!

This brand new collection of poetry will be a limited edition hardcover book available exclusively from The Poetry Institute of Canada!
"Passages of the Heart will be a fine quality, hardbound deluxe volume of the best of today's poetry. It is scheduled to be published late February 2018. The anthology will be a  classic book designed to last a lifetime. It will make a beautifully distinct gift, a highly valued keepsake or a notable addition to any library."

I am so pleased and honoured to be considered one of the best poets today!  I am so excited for the release of this new book in February 2018!

Passages of the Heart is now available for pre-order, exclusively form Poetry Institute of Canada!
Reserve your copy now! Click Here: www.poetryinstituteofcanada.ca/currentonlineorders.

Monday 15 May 2017

2017 TDSB Excellence Awards!

The 2017 TDSB Excellence Award

Some images courtesy of TDSB.


Thank you to the Toronto District School Board for the incredible honour.
It's feels so good and a bit crazy to be honoured by my employer like this.
I've been working with the TDSB for four years now. Some people go entire 40 or 60 year careers and never even get nominated. I am honoured to be not only the youngest nominee ever, but also the youngest recipient in history to receive this award.
Everything I do, I do for my students. Today I received The 2016-2017 TDSB Excellence Award. An award that can only be bestowed upon TDSB staff members when they are nominated by people who want to take the time to appreciate them and say 'thank you'! It was so surreal getting this award today.


It was even more surreal and humbling to meet and shake the hand of the Director of Education for the Toronto District School Board, Mr. John Malloy. It was an honour and a privilege to finally get a chance to meet him, to be thanked for all I do by him, and get such a rousing endorsement for it all.
Thank you, Mr.Malloy!
It was wonderful to be in the same room and presence of Mr.Malloy, my superintendent and trustee, my mom, and one of my nominators. My Grade 8 principal from CV Mr.Ennis, who is now currently a superintendent also happened to be there, as well as the current principal of CV Ms.Eccleston. It was so great seeing them all there!


I want to thank Mr.Grewal and Mr.Alexander for their thoughtfulness and the nomination.
They are both not only fellow TDSB employees and wonderful Board colleagues, but also former teachers of mine from Carleton Village Public School when I was a student there years ago, and I now also consider them very good friends!
Mr.Grewal, had this to say at the ceremony:

   It is an honour to be up here today presenting this award to not only a fellow TDSB employee and colleague, but also a former student.
   Vickram Bachan champions our school board’s values of equity, student achievement and wellbeing, and service excellence.  He does so in spite of the adversity that he himself has experienced, growing up in a single-parent household in the socio-economically challenged neighbourhood served by Carleton Village Sports and Wellness Academy.  I have known Vickram for well over a decade now, and have seen him grow from a tentative, discouraged student into a resilient young man, and an exemplary employee at McMurrich Junior Public School.
                 
    As a lunchroom supervisor at McMurrich for the last three years, Vickram has earned a reputation for being equitable, reliable, and compassionate toward all others.  For Vickram, this starts with fervently memorizing the full names of all of the students in the lunch program and beyond, as well as all of their birthdays.  Vickram cooperates and communicates with his fellow staff with kindness, politeness, and respect.  Vickram practices inclusion by showing impartiality in his supervisory duties, by purposely recognizing students’ individuality and uniqueness, and by his intolerance toward bullying behaviours.  What’s more, Vickram is known to edify students with wise advice regarding their personal behaviour and goals.  It’s no wonder that students are always happy to see “Mr. Vickram.”


   Vickram has always worked hard to promote student achievement and wellbeing, both in his years as a volunteer and now as a colleague.  For two years now, he has made notable contributions to school life and literacy through a beloved afterschool extra-curricular program that he founded: the McMurrich Harry Potter Fan Club.  The group of over twenty junior students encourages the avid reading and re-reading of books from the series, as well as other materials.  In addition to measurably improving literacy among the group’s members, Vickram has successfully organized school events based upon the series, such as a Yule Ball, a wizard tournament, and an excursion to see the latest movie in the HP universe [Fantastic Beasts].  Another example of Vickram’s contributions is the “Lunchy Awards,” or simply “The “Lunchies.”  He created this innovative award three years ago to recognize lunchroom students who exhibit excellent behaviour, cooperation, and positive examples to peers.   The certificates are presented with a small gift every June. During his time volunteering at Carleton Village, Vickram demonstrates great empathy and patience toward the students in the LEAP program.  The students responded with improved confidence and achievement.

   Vickram’s example of service excellence is second to none.  He has nearly perfect attendance at work.  Beyond his exemplary punctuality and reliability for the lunchroom students, Vickram lovingly gives countless additional hours and effort to McMurrich and Carleton Village.  He has contributed to the organization and setting up of school events, assemblies, and fundraisers, and has voluntarily helped teachers with supervision and preparation.  Vickram has donated toys and books to McMurrich, and to Carleton Village before that.  He has also generously contributed his own money to The Harry Potter Fan Club.  Vickram Bachan does all of this to make school an absolutely magical, memorable, and educational experience for the students.  - Paul Grewal


Thank you Mr.Grewal for all the kind words in that wonderful speech, and thank you to Carleton Village Public School along with its amazing staff, students and parents for being so appreciative and grateful of all my volunteer work and the time spent at the school doing it over the past nine years and counting. I truly enjoy those hours working with you!

This is what the TDSB has to say:
    We are proud that our staff are among the most dedicated and qualified in Canada. Every day, nearly 39,000 committed professionals support our students and help them achieve their very best. Their focus, enthusiasm and dedication help build strong and healthy relationships and allow our school communities – and students – to thrive.
It’s important that we recognize the great work of our outstanding staff across the system. Recognizing our staff not only celebrates their accomplishments and efforts, it inspires others to excel in their own roles. Our work is guided by the Vision of Learning, Integrated Equity Framework and Service Excellence.
Every year, we invite staff, students, parents and community members to nominate a TDSB staff member or team whose effort to go above and beyond has made a difference in their lives.
This year, we recognize 14 individuals who’ve done just that. We celebrated them at the Excellence Awards Recognition Event on May 15 and here is who they are:

Vickram Bachan - Lunchroom Supervisor and Childcare Attendant - McMurrich JPS
Vickram Bachan is a champion of equity, student achievement and well-being and, of service excellence. A TDSB alumni, Vickram first came to the TDSB as a volunteer and for the last three years, has worked at McMurrich JPS. In all of his roles, he has made a positive contribution to school life. He is an equitable, reliable and compassionate employee who engages with students on a personal level, including knowing the birthdays of all students in the lunch program. His efforts to engage and support students include launching “The Lunchies” to recognize students who exhibit excellent behaviour and cooperation during lunch, to creating the Harry Potter Fan Club to promote literacy, and organizing school events. Vickram has helped bring enthusiasm and fun to the school communities he has been a part of.
”  - TDSB
 http://www.tdsb.on.ca/AboutUs/Innovation/Excellence.aspx 


To my fellow recipients and TDSB colleagues, congratulations!
Keep doing what you do for your schools and more importantly, students. We are a team working together in all different areas across the great city of Toronto to help educate and shape the next generation and their futures. You make your students' lives better, more fun and exciting. Never stop doing what you do, keep it up!
It is an honour to be working with all of you and stand by your side to receive this recognition, hear stories of all the great things you do, and to share this moment with you.

 


As Mr.Grewal alluded to in his speech, I have faced a lot of negativity and adversity both professionally and personally, and in many cases still do. But my McMurrich students are what help me get through a lot of it. Working and volunteering at McMurrich and doing initiatives such as The Harry Potter Fan Club has been such a positive thing for me, it has given me a sense of escape; and seeing the looks on my students faces, I know it has been a positive experience for them too. It also gives me a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and fulfilment.
I have never asked for or expected anything in return, I do it all happily freely and willingly. All I ever get are the smiles on my students faces, and that makes it all worth it which is enough. But getting this award this afternoon means so much. I am so humbled and thankful to be one of eleven recipients this year out of the hundreds that were nominated.
 
 

When I became employed by the TDSB four years ago, I vowed that I would be the change in a new era and a new regime. After what I went through in high school, the living hell, all the nonsensical traumatic drama, the bullying and harassment by both students and some staff, the inequality inequity and unfairness; I promised I would make a difference in the TDSB and never become like those type of staff. I know what it feels like to go through BS and be treated like garbage; feeling worthless, like your life doesn't matter and has no meaning, and be a victim of bias, prejudice, and favouritism.
It was time to make some changes happen.
Today this tells me that I have stayed true to my word, lived up to my vow, and more than kept my promise.

So, thank you to the TDSB for their consideration, acknowledgement, and praise of all my "hard work, dedication, and efforts", thank you to Mr.Grewal and Mr.Alexander from Carleton Village for the nomination,  and most of all, above all the thanks, a huge ginormous THANK YOU to some of my amazing and wonderful McMurrich students who are the reason I do what I do every single day at that school, the reason get-up and drag myself out of bed in the morning. Everything I do is for you, and without you this probably would not be possible, if it wasn't for you kids I might not be getting this incredible award and honour or even be eligible for nomination. So thank you most of all to those students, and their parents, who care, love, support, and appreciate The Harry Potter Fan Club and everything else I do.
It doesn't matter to me whether what I do is recognized or not, but it is always nice to know that some people actually notice, appreciate, and acknowledge what is done for their children by other people who are willing to put their own unpaid free time and effort into doing special things.

And, finally, there is of course Carleton Village, the nominators and ultimate reason I am getting this award. Thanks once again to the staff, students, and parents of CV for being so appreciative, grateful, and thankful. I value the relationships we have with one another, never having any conflicts and always working together as a team, truly a well-oiled-machine. Win, lose, or draw, our sport-teams are always a cohesive unit; our school events are always enjoyable, fun, and exciting. The Carleton Village school community is unique and special place.  Whether I got the award or not, this nomination meant a lot to me knowing you put the time, effort, and thought, into showing me appreciation and acknowledging what I do for you. Thank you CV for putting so much thought, time and effort into this surprise nomination!  Even if I hadn't ended up getting this award, thank you. I truly appreciate the thought; the fact that you even thought of me means more than the award itself! Thank You!


 
 




Wednesday 4 January 2017

2017 New Years poem: "My New Year Wish"

Well, here it is, as promised, better late than never right!?
This is my brand new poem and my first poem posted in 2017! I just finished it. I hope it brings courage and strength to any and all who need it. Enjoy!


 
My New Year Wish
By: Vickram Bachan
 
It's a New Year with new beginnings,
I wish everyone the best, with cheer and good tidings.
 
I hope everyone can learn to be kind to one another, that is my wish for all,
And I pray you always find light, when darkness comes to call.
 
It is my hope that all bad deeds shall not rise but fall,
and all good things shall always stand tall.
 
My wish is that there will be no need for appall,
but instead have freedom, peace, and equality for all.
 
The world can be a scary place, but don't drop the ball,
Ignore the hate, negativity, and fear, and always stand tall.
 
Receive your hearts desire, meet your goals, break down the wall,
Make your dreams and fantasies come true, accomplish them all.
 
Realize and reach your potential; always dream big and never small,
The road ahead awaits you, as your destiny calls.
 
So the very best of luck to all, I wish you good fortunes and blessings,
It's a New Year full of promise and hope for new beginnings.
 
 
 

Sunday 1 January 2017

Happy New Year! 2017

Happy New Year!!!! 😊
 
2016 is now over and 2017 has just begun. This is a New Year with new beginnings and I hope everybody will learn to be kind to each other.

I have a brand new poem for New Years, but it will be posted a bit late. Don't worry though, it's coming soon!  It's a New Years themed poem and I hope you'll enjoy it!
It's meant to give people strength and courage to take on the New Year and any though times that may be ahead. 
In the meantime, while you wait, feel free to look back on two of my most popular poems
"I Am Who I Am" and "Who We Are: We Are One" as well as My message for the start of 2017.


My message for the start of 2017 is this:
No matter who you are, you are somebody. Don't ever feel like you are nothing. It does not matter who other people are or who they think they are, or what they say. Everyone has their own opinion which they are entitled to, it does not mean that it's also your opinion or that you have to agree with it; never let what others have to say affect you, especially if it's negative. We are all human-beings cut from the same cloth with the same perfections and imperfections. We all experience the same emotions and feelings as everyone else. We all have a purpose in life. Brush off any and all hate and negativity. Do what makes you happy and finds you solace.

Don't treat people like garbage because of their positions or situations, nobody is higher or better than anyone else. There is no one above or below us, all humans are and should be treated equally and people should respect and treat all others as they would want to be treated. Being bullies and using/abusing power on others doesn't make you more important than them, it makes you look like the complete jerk that you are.
Remember, what goes around comes around. You know what they call karma. Don't take advantage of others. We're all on the same level. None of us are God.
Equality is not just a word it should be a way of life. Every human deserves to be treated with the same respect and regard, no matter their position, race, religion, gender, ethnicity, colour, creed, social class/status, lanuage, age, culture, style, etc...
Whatever the case may be, and whoever they may be, they are entitled to the same rights everyone else is. All lives matter! Every person has a right to free-speech and expression, and nobody should ever be penalized and punished for voicing their opinions or using and exercising their rights; especially if it does no harm in any way to anyone else.

People are just so judgmental because it's so easy to criticize. I hate when people just jump to their own stupid ridiculous made up conclusions without understanding the reasons behind things. People do what they do for reasons, things are the way they are for certain reasons. People need to learn to accept certain things for what they are and stop trying to enforce unnecessary or unwanted changes. People like to stick their noses where it doesn't belong and get involved in things that do not concern them, without understanding why people do what they do. Sometimes people need to know when to mind their own business and just back off. There are bigger problems in the world to worry about, don't make huge fusses about little things.
Help each other, love each other, support each other, encourage each other, because you never know which day will be our last. Fairness should be for everybody, it's called equity.

God forbid you don't always get your own way, it's not the end of the world. Everyone needs to learn to give and take, things can't just be one-sided all the time. Don't take life and people for granted, enjoy them while you have them because you don't know what you have until it's all gone. We're only here for a little while, life is too short so enjoy it, because when it's gone it's all gone for good.
So whether it's your friends, family, co-workers & colleagues, classmates, neighbors, the homeless person on the street, or the king and queen of the world; show them all the same courtesy, appreciate all fellow humans, and be grateful to have the people that you know around you.

Everything is left behind when our souls leave this earth, only our deeds go with us, both the good and the bad. We all need to do good in this crazy world. We only have one life to live, and because we all only live once there's no point in making other people miserable, depressed, or causing them unnecessary pain and grief. Everyone finds hope, solace, peace, and comfort in their own way, so let them do what they want and need to do in peace, and just leave them alone.
We need to enjoy whatever little time we have. Live life to its fullest and enjoy every second because you don't know how long you'll have it. Don't waste time putting other people down. There is absolutely no need to make things difficult or impossible for others. Don't be in peoples way, just like you wouldn't want them in your way. Life is too short for politics and drama, no one wants to deal with nonsense. Enjoy life the way you want, and let others live and enjoy it how they want.


So, Happy New Year to all! I hope you had a nice Christmas and Holiday season, I hope your 2016 was great and your 2017 will be even better!