Most of the people who showed up at Lethbridge College’s student orientation knew Jessi Cruickshank as a former co-host of MTV Canada’s The After Show.
They probably didn’t know she is the official ambassador for Free the Children, the world’s largest youth organization helping provide education in the Third World Countries.
Jessi has travelled to many places including India, where she learned how children live within their villages. Also, in Kenya she lived with a Massai family in a mud hut.
When Jessi spoke about her experience in India, you could tell it was inspiring people in the room. Seeing an ordinary person working her way up the ladder in life gives hope to others and shows them that anyone can make a difference.
"If anyone wants to join Free the Children, they can visit www.freethechildren.com. You can either join on your own, with your family and friends, peers and the list expands from there," explained Cruickshank.
Her passion for the topic gained everyone’s attention in the audience. While she was speaking, someone could have dropped a dollar and you would have been able to hear it. The way Jessi spoke about what she was involved in made everyone in the audience feel like they were a part of her stories. Her speech was quite moving for some.
"I had no idea of all the great things she did while in school and how she went the extra mile to help those in need," second year business administration student Brittney Johnston said. "She’s really an amazing person who has the potential to do great things and make a huge impact in the world."
Cruickshank says she is proud of students who want to do their part to make a difference.
"I think lots of kids now are getting involved at 11, 12 and 13 years old and if you are in university you can get some of your peers to get together and work on making a difference. This is a perfect opportunity and you will be in a place with smart, motivated people who are all in the same place to learn and to better themselves."
She has been a regular guest speaker at We Day, where she speaks about the importance of youth activism, poverty in the developing world and how to make a positive contribution on a global scale.
"It’s easy to get caught up in this weird fantasy world. I talk about pop culture and celebrities and it is easy to get sucked into a one dimensional world," Jessi said.
"I am proud of the fact that I used the platform I was given and hopefully do something a little more important."
She has recently relocated to Los Angeles to develop The Untitled Jessi Cruickshank Project with the executive producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Cruickshank says she looks forward to working behind the camera and to someday be the producer.
Cruickshank has more advice for students.
"The first step is thinking about what you’re good at and what you like doing. There are tons of fashion students here which is cool and if fashion is your thing then think about ways to fundraise for an organization or something with underprivileged schools. You can help get prom dresses on girls who couldn’t afford them. Think about what you are passionate about and what you are good at."
Cruickshank is mostly known for her career with MTV but as for some students at Lethbridge College, she will be known as a role model who is doing the best she can to help out others in as many ways as possible.