Anna’s Story

I have always been interested in how change happens, and I strive to be an agent for positive, practical change in all aspects of my life.

Part of understanding how change happens led me to pursue a BA in Psychology.  One psychological concept that made the deepest impression on me was that of ‘diffusion of responsibility’, where in the presence of others, individuals are less likely to take the appropriate action because they assume that someone else will.  This can often have devastating consequences.  Understanding this, I have relentlessly stood up to bullies where I’ve encountered them, and spoken up about injustices to the people I believed could make a difference.

In university I excelled as a critical thinker, however since graduation I have challenged myself to not be so quick to come to conclusions, and to be more open-minded about how to understand others and find common ground.

I believe that our Parliament requires a diversity of backgrounds to remain fresh in our thinking and problem solving.  As such, I believe that my background in Psychology (University of Calgary) and a current pursuit in Public Relations (University of Calgary) provide me with insights that someone with a standard background in political science may not necessary have.

I value life-long learning, and always have a stack of library books on my night table.  I heartily welcome recommendations of books, movies, and articles to read to broaden my knowledge and perceptions.  I am confident that I can speak on any subject given the opportunity to educate myself.  I have never felt limited, but rather always felt capable knowing that knowledge is readily and easily accessible, and that if you ask, people will engage in discussion with you.

I also believe that my year in South Korea as an English teacher is a valuable asset to this position.  I understand first hand what it’s like to be a visible minority.  In Canada I have worked directly with populations who speak English as a second language, and I encounter a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds in my current position as an undergraduate program advisor at the University of Calgary.  I have a great respect for other cultures, and for other ways of understanding our world.

I decided to put myself forward as a candidate at this time because as Mahatma Ghandi said,”We must become the change we want to see”.  I am a proud Canadian – especially proud to be a Calgarian – and I am ready to represent you in Parliament.

On May 2nd, vote Green, vote for me, Anna Wagner – your first Green Party Member of Parliament.