Hi Lovely Reader,
Thanks for being here. This month has been filled with new milestones, meaningful conversations, and growth in ways I didn’t expect. Here’s a quick look at my November:
What I’ve Been Up To 📈
I’m officially 25% through Grade 12!
Over the past month, I’ve spent a lot of time researching post-secondary options. After looking at programs across B.C., I’m interested in pursuing a 1–3-year Business Management certificate at BCIT, one of the top business schools in Western Canada.
I’ve also been getting more active - playing badminton at school and boxing at home with my dad. It’s been a great balance between academics and staying healthy.
Achievements & Highlights 🚀
Featured by the Vancouver School Board (VSB) 📣
The Vancouver School Board highlighted my work across their social media platforms — Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn — and even published a full article about my journey. Read it here: https://www.vsb.bc.ca/_ci/p/84832
Stanley Park Ecology Feature 🌲
Stanley Park Ecology highlighted my 2025 Impact in Innovation award from the City of Vancouver. I’ve been volunteering with them for almost two years, so this recognition really meant a lot. View the post here: https://stanleyparkecology.ca/2025/10/22/vancouver-awards-of-excellence-2025-recipients/
Presentation to Senator Katherine Hay 🇨🇦
I had the opportunity to present some of the key outcomes of the Screen Break program by The Dais @ TMU to Senator Hay.
A key lesson: I would have never been in this role if I hadn’t submitted my application video in the first place — a last-minute, poorly lit video I recorded at 9 PM before bed. Still, taking imperfect action opened the door to incredible opportunities.
Featured on Tech Beat Canada 📰
TechBeat Canada published a feature on my not-for-profit work, sustainability projects, and journey as a young founder. Read it here: https://techbeat.ca/ai/gabriel-dalton-the-young-founder/
Top Lessons From This Month 💡
1. If you want visibility, you have to reach out.
Opportunities don’t come to you unless people know you exist.
2. Doing the work isn’t enough — you also have to share it.
Putting your work out there is part of the job.
3. Make things easy for others.
If you want someone to publish something about you, write the draft yourself. Remove the friction, and people are far more likely to help.
Quotes 💬
“Gold is money. Everything else is credit.”
— John Pierpont Morgan
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
— Mark Twain
It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
— George Eliot
Curious about my past adventures?
Catch up on all my previous updates in the newsletter archive. You never know what gem you might find!
Shoutouts 👏
John Matheson (former advisor to the Trudeau government, currently working with the Carney government) — thank you for meeting with me to discuss online harms affecting young people.
Senator Katherine Hay — I appreciate the time you took to meet and talk about the progress of the Screen Break program.
What’s Next? 🚀
🎙️ Podcast session with the Downtown Vancouver BIA – scheduled for February
🎙️ Podcast with the AI Parenting Institute – also coming in February
Know someone who’d enjoy following a young entrepreneur’s journey? Please forward this email and invite them to subscribe — every new reader helps me grow and keeps the adventure going.
Onwards and upwards,
Gabriel Dalton
P.S. Want more behind-the-scenes? For more in-depth discussions, check out my LinkedIn or Medium profiles.