teenLook #11 - Fall 2020 - Alessandra Liu Cover

Sophia Wojdak is a freelance writer &
contributor for teenLook. Find more about her
and her work via Instagram @ _sophiarosalie_
it’s been really fun to lean into things
that feel purely Sarah Chan, and not
just ‘the mayor’s wife,’ because that’s
temporary, but who I am as an artist--
that’s forever.”
We had an opportunity to talk more
about the city she is so heavily involved
in, and her favourite aspects of it. She
explained how many of her friends
moved away from Edmonton to cities
like London and New York, and how
she and her husband wanted to work
together to try to bring some of the positive
aspects of those unique cities to their
hometown. She also praised the public
education system in Edmonton and the
hardworking teachers and administrators
that make it a possibility for youth. ​
“Public education, my family is here, and
I love the river valley. I also love the
people,--they are very open and that’s
not the same everywhere.”
A proud working mom, Sarah Chan
shared how homeschooling her young
children has been during this pandemic,
and the advice she has for other
parents dealing with the same thing.
“Don’t be afraid to adapt and hold the
kids capable.” ​She praised both of her
children, both having to do homeschool
elementary classes, for being hardworking
and responsible as they go on this
journey together.
We also had the opportunity to discuss
what balancing so many charitable endeavours
and being a working mom is
like. She expressed her admiration for
mothers everywhere, using whatever
system works best for them and is proud
of the achievements she has made. She
told me about how hard she worked
while her husband was first running for
city council, and how her career as a
musician and teacher doesn’t always get
the recognition it deserves. ​“I’m really
proud that I have been able to maintain
my career throughout all of these transitions.
Teaching is really a part of who
I am and I have always stayed true to
that even though it doesn’t get taken
seriously in some places.”
Sarah Chan also discussed the importance
of integrity and standing your
ground, and how calling people out
when they are disrespectful and unkind
is so important even though it can often
be difficult. ​“I am proud of myself for
continuing to be who I am and holding
myself accountable and the people
around me accountable to my standards
of respect.”
When asked what advice she would
give a young version of herself if she
could go back in time, she had a great
answer.
“​You don’t have to go so fast! For so
long I believed how much I did meant
how much worth I had, it’s okay to slow
down. What’s the rush?”
On the topic of advice for young people,
she discussed how social media can be a
double-edged sword for youth, as well
as the harmful double standard many
women face. “Social culture and images
can be really damaging, and a lack
of authenticity can be dangerous. I just
feel as girls we are held to a way higher
standard. It leads to perceptions of selfworth.”
​She also talked about how detrimental
that pressure to succeed can be, ​
“Then we burn out because we have
been working 3 times as hard as everyone
else to be taken seriously. It’s exhausting,
plus you’re supposed to look
perfect and be polite. Social media can
help accelerate those things.” ​We then
talked about how serious the issue of cyberbullying
towards women running for
political office can be, and how harmful
it has become over the years. Despite
all of the difficulties that ring true in our
modern world, Sarah Chan had some
great words of advice for young women
who may be struggling on their personal
Photo - Jason Symington
road to success.
“Surround yourself with real people.
There are a lot of people out there really
good at pretending and manipulating.
I would say trust your gut. I like to
be transparent.” ​She also talked about
the importance of starting a conversation
with those who don’t always agree
with you and not just ignoring tensions
or disagreements, even though it takes
a lot of bravery to do so. “​Be brave.
Be transparent, trust your gut and surround
yourself with good people. People
who will be with you when you fall
flat on your face but people who will
also challenge you. All the other answers
you are looking from will come
from you.”
She ended off our interview by reiterating
her advice for women everywhere,
emphasizing the importance of being
brave and holding those around you
to a standard of respect. I encourage
everyone to look into more of the charitable
and creative projects this notable
woman has been working on or take a
gander at the hilarious videos she and
her husband make on tik tok (even the
busiest most hardworking individuals
have to take a little break to have fun!) It
was a pleasure and an honour to learn
the story of this inspiring woman, so keep
your eye on the media to see what incredible
projects she will be doing next!