10 Years of Youthink... Reflecting on a Decade of History

As we at Youthink hit our 10-year anniversary, we’re feeling a bit nostalgic. When we look back, we remember technological advances, devastating disasters and crazy cultural phenomenons. Time has flown by, carrying with it countless events and fads that have come and gone in the blink of an eye. Here are some highs and lows of the past 10 years to help capture the decade, as well as Youthink’s accomplishments and memorable covers throughout the past 10 years.

2000
By September 2000, Langley, Richmond, Coquitlam and Vancouver school districts are Youthink participants. In world news, mad cow disease plagues the planet while North and South Korean presidents sign a peace accord.

2001
The first generation iPod is unveiled and the independent women of Destiny’s Child rock the Billboard charts with “Survivor.” Most memorably, the world watches in silence as the twin towers fall on September 11th.

2002
By October 2002, Youthink welcomes North Van, Maple Ridge, Burnaby, West Van and New West. Meanwhile, the first smartphone BlackBerry appears on the market and in entertainment news, Avril Lavigne makes her debut.

2003
Jack Johnson is on top of the charts. The Rolling Stones headline a benefit concert in Toronto to help revive the city’s economy after the SARS outbreak. In politics, Paul Martin succeeds Jean Chrétien as prime minister.

2004
Youthink celebrates five years and 50 issues! In entertainment news, “Friends” airs its final episode and Janet Jackson experiences her infamous wardrobe malfunction at the Superbowl. In world news, a massive tsunami devastates Asia and more than 200,000 lives are lost.

2005
Stephenie Meyer releases her first book in the “Twilight” saga, starting a vampire phenomenon that has teens lusting for more blood. After leaving No Doubt, Gwen Stefani scores success as a solo artist. Hurricane Katrina, one of the five deadliest in US history, devastates New Orleans.

2006
Youthink changes its size and expands onto Vancouver Island. Later in the year, Youthink spreads throughout BC with Chilliwack, Kamloops and Prince George on board. In environmental news, Al Gore spreads the green gospel with his documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” bringing eco-issues to the forefront of world issues.

2007
Youthink becomes Western Canada’s high-school magazine as we launch our first-ever Alberta edition. In entertainment news, the Beckhams move to the States, Britney goes bald and Anna Nicole Smith dies. Online, Facebook hits the mainstream and the “poke” becomes a cyber sensation. In fashion, skinny jeans are a hot trend.

2008
In June, Youthink joins the team at Canada Wide Media. In sports, Beijing hosts the summer Olympics where Michael Phelps wins a record eight gold medals. In entertainment, the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana are big teen sensations and Edmonton’s Kreesha Turner becomes Canada’s R&B sweetheart.