Everyone is a genius, Right?
February 15, 2000
Two Hills and County Chronicle

By By Annemarie Smit and Carin van Vuuren

Do you often think one or more of the following?

-No matter what I do, it's not good enough.

-I'll never be able to do it; I'll never get it.

-Everything I do turns out wrong.

If you think some of these thoughts on a regular basis, it's time to stop and reconsider. These are what Tonia Chrapko calls limiting beliefs which are crippling you. They should immediately be eliminated from your vocabulary, because they are simply not true. She is quite passionate and enthusiastic about this and wants everyone to realize what a wonderful tool the brain is. To stress her point Tonia quotes Colin Rose in his  book entitled Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century: "Most people only use a tiny fraction of their brain's capacity, not because they don't have the intelligence, but because they have never been taught how to access and develop their innate abilities ... 82% of children entering the school system at the age of five or six have a positive self-image of their ability to learn. But that positive rating drops to an average of 18% by the time they are sixteen years old. Consequently, four out of every five teenagers and adults start a new learning experience with feelings of inadequacy."

Tonia Chrapko runs BrainBOOSTER™ workshops which are an educational experience showing you how to tap your mind's vast resources. It explores and expands your potential. At her workshop last Monday in St. Paul, Tonia taught a group of eight people just how amazing and special their brains are and that everybody really is a genius. The members of the group had to answer a questionnaire to assess their own study skills and to find out where their problem areas are. It could be anything from time management to note taking. 

Then Tonia went ahead and told the group how the mind and body must be prepared for study, the place where study takes places is very important (an all-white environment is the best for study), that Baroque music (Bach, Beethoven etc.) is great to help you relax before you study and that specific goals and a positive attitude are of utmost importance.

We wanted to know more about Tonia, her background and what motivated her to create these workshops. Tonia was glad to grant us an interview:

Tonia, tell us a little about yourself.  "I completed grade 11 at the Two Hills High School and my grade 12 at the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. I then went on to the Faculty of Education at the UofA and subsequently taught in Lethbridge, Westlock and Sapporo, Japan. "  

What does your company Toolbox Training do? "It offers sponsored and public workshops for students (all ages); parents; and teachers.  

What motivated you to start the BrainBOOSTER™  workshops? "In 1998 I enrolled at the University of Calgary to study biochemistry and French. I re-entered university life as a teacher and was confronted with the way students studied, and what difficulties they experienced. I was also inspired by individuals who have defied conventional beliefs and found a better way to make a difference in Medicine, in Education, and in Welfare."

What is the scope of the BrainBOOSTER™ project? "To offer the workshop in rural communities and bring the use of accelerated learning techniques into the educational system. Students need a comprehensive, thorough presentation with useable tools and techniques that develop the latent intellectual potential of the mind. "

But why target rural communities? "First, I was raised with the philosophy that you give back to the community and both my parents set an example. Second, having grown up in and having taught in rural Alberta, I'm very aware of the situation. In cities parents can choose from a variety of schools (public, separate, private) and they have access to after school learning centres. However private schools and learning centres cost extra money. How many people, rural in particular can afford it? Why not use a cost-effective way to benefit a great number of kids by enhancing public education? This is what my BrainBOOSTER™ project is all about. "

What kind of reception have you had from the local school division and individual schools? "It has been very positive. In particular I am indebted to Judy Morgan from the St. Paul Regional High School, for her active involvement ... not only informing students but also encouraging them to take the BrainBOOSTER™. When Jim Hawkins (FG Miller Jr/Sr High School) first heard about the workshop, he took the initiative and invited me to a school council meeting and booked two days for February. I also got encouragement from Rene Lafrance (Racette School) and Lorne Young (Principal of Heinsburg Community School) who gave me useful and timely advise. "

When did you start with these workshops and what comments have you received from attendants? "Since I started in November 1999 in the St. Paul Educational Regional District #1 I've had 86 students and 18 adults from St. Paul, Two Hills, Elk Point, Brosseau, Lafond and Mallaig attend. In February 1999, 10 students and 3 adults attended in the Calgary and Canmore area. Some of the comments are 'Now I'll be able to use an effective way to study' and 'I think it will make a big difference in the way I study.'

Tonia's presentation in St. Paul was excellent. The atmosphere was very relaxed and easygoing and the point of departure was that study is fun, unbelievable as it may seem. This is something that can benefit every person, young or not so young, who has to or wants to study, and it can be strongly recommended. It is at the same time something so exciting that has the potential to change the course of your life forever. Most important of all, it will surely change the way you think about your own abilities. Everyone IS a genius.

Tonia Chrapko is Chief Energizing Officer (CEO) and owner of Toolbox Training. 454 -3361

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