One hundred students from Halton Catholic secondary schools went by bus to join 12,500 other pro-lifers in Ottawa for the March for Life. On the way back, some wrote their impressions of the march and the Youth Conference, where they heard Melissa Ohden speak about how she survived an abortion attempt and what it has meant to her life. Here are their impressions, just as they wrote them. (Some preferred to remain anonymous, others are identified by first names only.) Congratulations to the teachers and chaplains who organized the trip.

It has rekindled my passions . . . I know we can win

This was my first time attending a March for Life and it was an excellent experience. So many people want the laws changed in Canada to stop abortion and I’m sure with this many pro-life people it will be coming shortly. I was so grateful to have attended this event. Student

Coming to the March for Life has been an eye opening experience. Many of the speakers, especially Melissa,

Melissa Ohden

taught me more about abortion and how they don’t just affect the parents of the child - it affects the future generations as well. Student

The 2010 March for Life has truly been an eye-opening experience - seeing the 12,500 people march through the streets of downtown Ottawa and their enthusiasm and continuous hope that abortion in Canada will no longer exist. It has rekindled my passions for the pro-life movement. Student

I am so proud that we are getting more support each year we march. I know we can win the fight and stop abortion once and for all! Student

This was my first trip and I really enjoyed it. I’ll be back next year. Student.

The march was beyond all my expectations. The experience not only fuelled my passion for this cause but also made me realise that this very cause is probably the most important cause that one can currently fight for. Student

We all need a yearly Pentecost

The March for Life 2010 has been an amazing experience as the priest at mass Friday morning said, we all need a yearly Pentecost to re-light our evangelical fire, and the March for Life does that for me. It makes me passionate about standing up for the unborn and I am coming home to Burlington wanting to do more. Emma

I was very moved by Melissa’s story and also very upset about the fact that babies that have had attempted abortions that live are left fir dead. These stories have made me want to support pro-life even more. A person’s a person so matter how small! Can’t want to come back next year! Brenna.

I’ve been attending March for Life for the past two years. It has been very touching. Even though I’m attending university next year, I still plan to participate in pro-life groups and activities. Nick

This has been an amazing experience for me. It was my first March for Life and it made me wish that I was not graduating this year so I could do more with this issue at Assumption. I hope I can do work next year at University. Pro-life has always been an important and clearly defined issue for me but this event just reaffirmed this position for me. I know that the stories I have heard here I will be able to use when discussing the issues with friends. Thank Mr Campanelli for organizing this event as Assumption and thanks for putting up with us these past two days. Stephen.

I highly enjoyed the march. Something that really inspired me to be even more involved in pro-life was Melissa’s story and the video of an actual abortion. Steff

I will do all my best to see a future without abortion

I first learned about the pro-life movement last year. Even though I didn’t go on the march last year, it made it worthwhile this year. It has been an amazing experience and I will do all my best to keep the momentum up and to never stop. I will do all my best to see a future without abortion. Thank you, Mr. Campanelli and Mr. Manela for supervising the trip and making it possible for it to come true. I am looking forward to next year’s march and hopefully it will be bigger than this year. Michele

Had a really eye-opening experience and I plan to continue spreading the word about pro life! Kirsten

My favourite part of this trip was hearing Melissa speak and how she empowered the crowd. Also, marching in the streets was amazing too because I felt life I was really part of something I believe in. Overall, this trip was inspiring. Hopefully all mankind will be as inspired to join this movement as I am. Lorna

I had a great time with my friends, supporting this great cause. Many of the speakers really touched me and I know for sure that I will be pro-life forever. Student

March for Life for an eye-opening experience. The music, the speakers and the spirit of the people around me inspired me to fight and get involved in this cause. The past two days have given me the chance to bond with my fellow classmates and other pro-lifers from all around Canada. I learned so much during the time I was in Ottawa and I look forward to sharing my newly found knowledge with my family and friends. Student

I can now . . . stand up and tell the world that I am pro-life!

March for Life definitely opened my eyes. It showed me how to make a difference while having an amazing time with my friends. I am proud that I can now strongly and confidently stand up and tell the world that I am pro-life! This experience has truly been extraordinary! I feel so empowered to be able to make such a big difference. I am thankful to God for giving me amazing teachers and friends who are proud to be here with me! I can’t wait to continue to fight for what I believe in! Student

March for Life has changed the way I view the pro-life community and the meaning of life. During this trip, we joined thousands of others to support God’s wish and to speak for this without a voice. Melissa Ohden truly inspired me and touched me deeply and in all made me rethink my beliefs and my struggles in life. As a woman who had survived abortion, she brought on a more personal aspect of abortion and had the audience at the edge of their seats and at some points tearing up. On this trip, I found inspiration and felt as if I had strengthened my faith. I look forward to next year’s March for Life. Amanda

March for Life was an amazing experience. I didn’t expect it to be so . . . intense. The speeches and videos all helped me with proof I can use to back up my opinion and it touched me to see a lot of others standing up for the same cause. Solidarity in numbers. It gave me new perspective. I especially liked all the speakers, they gave a personal touch. It was an emotional journey and I feel I matured and grew as a person and in faith. Student

This was a terrific experience, upsetting, yet joyful. Definitely something I will be doing again. Keep your babies. Student

Sad trip, the poor babies. My whole perspective on abortion has totally changed. I’m glad I came and I’m coming again next year for sure! I hope to see you there! Princess

For life I stand

March for Life 2010 . . . what can I say? My convictions of what I believe were strengthened. The love and team spirit among us and all of those there were incredible. Being interviewed was so amazing. . . . We are called to love. Love is life, life is love. FOR LIFE I STAND. Kathleen

March for Life 2010 was AMAZING! Can’t wait for 2011. Let’s make a difference. GO PRO LIFE. Courtney

March for Life IS AMAZING! Student

It was a very educational experience and I would recommend it to anyone. Can’t wait for 2011. Mareike