Our Save Juno Beach project was a huge learning experience for me. It combined history, creativity, and reflection, giving me the chance to dive deeper into how World War II shaped Canadian identity. From writing an essay and creating a zine to completing an act of service, I’ve learned so much about Canada’s past and how it connects to who we are today.

The Driving Question

What role did the conflict of WWII play in shaping Canadian identity?

This project helped me understand that WWII was a turning point for Canada. The war wasn’t just about fighting battles—it brought the country together and showed the world what Canadians were capable of. Whether it was soldiers landing at Juno Beach or women taking on new roles, the war highlighted values like resilience, equality, and teamwork that became key parts of Canada’s identity.

My essay focused on the role of Canadian women during WWII. They worked as codebreakers, factory workers, pilots, and nurses, proving they could handle tough and skilled jobs just like men. These contributions helped pave the way for more equality in Canada and showed how much we value perseverance and progress.

What I Learned
• Essay and Revisions: Writing the essay taught me a lot about how to structure an argument and back it up with evidence. I also got better at MLA citations after several rounds of feedback and revisions.
• Creating a Zine: Turning my essay into a zine was a fun challenge. It pushed me to think about how to present my ideas visually while keeping them clear and engaging. The format that our teachers made, did save me time though!
• Act of Service: My act of service started as a simple task, but it ended up being a way to connect with others and I left feeling happy about what I had just done. It showed me how small actions can have a bigger impact.

Below is a reflection, written in third person:

Reflection

This project helped me see how conflict shapes identity. WWII was a time when Canadians came together and proved what we stand for: courage, equality, and helping others. I also learned how to communicate my ideas better, whether through writing, visuals, or giving back to my community.

Overall, I’m proud of the work I did and everything I learned. I can’t wait to share my zine and see how everyone else approached this project!