With no family members nearby for companionship, Seyma devoted herself to her education and her community.  In addition to succeeding in school, Seyma joined JAG Force, a youth outreach program sponsored by the Mississauga Crime Prevention Association, which creates awareness and understanding of serious problems facing young people including drug use and bullying.   With the support of JAG Force, Seyma has visited many schools in her community where she gives inspiring presentations to young students.

After chairing an Anti-Drug Awareness Week and organizing an assembly for the school community, she received high praise from her school’s administration, teachers, friends and staff advisors.  She realized then that she possesses outstanding leadership skills and committed herself even more enthusiastically to social causes.  Seyma took on the responsibility of Minister of School Safety for her Student Council and became JAG Force Chair. From there, she went on to the Mayor’s Youth Summit to work with students from many schools on issues of importance for today’s youth. 

In addition to her responsibilities with these numerous organizations, Seyma Sarikok is now developing a curriculum called “Quest” for junior and middle schools that focuses on drug abuse, bullying, making positive decisions and youth outreach. 

Also a Retreat Leader who helps students who are new to the school community, and a member of the White Pine Literary Reading Club, Seyma is a student who leads by positive example by accepting others and promoting peaceful actions throughout her school community and in Canada, her new home.  

In Seyma’s own words:  “Living in Canada on my own taught me how to stand on my own feet and how to help those who are in need.”