I started my journey of education at St. Timothy Elementary school when I was five years old. Throughout my time there, not only did I meet new people and great friends, but I grew close to many of my teachers. I always seemed to connect more with teachers and staff members than other students. I knew from the second day of Kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher. My dream of being a teacher only grew stronger as the years went on. I always looked forward to little buddy time, because it meant that I could teach a little one something and inspire them to do their best in all their work. As I moved into grade nine at O’Neill High School, I found myself really missing all the time I got to spend with little kids. This, again, made my dream of being a teacher grow stronger. I had a deep sense that my purpose in life is to be a teacher, inspire others, and share my story. I continued to volunteer in a kindergarten classroom, babysit, present on Mental Health and Mental Illness, and work my way to my dream.

When grade 12 came, and it was time to apply to university, I wasn’t sure what program I wanted to go into. I knew all along what faculty I wanted to be in, but I had no idea what grade level I wanted to teach. Halfway through grade 12, I realized what my big dream has been all along. That is to be an Elementary School Counsellor or a High School Guidance Counsellor. This was greatly influenced by my grade 12 Guidance Counsellor, Mrs. K. I had always struggled with mental illness, but had never found my person. My person I could talk to at any time, my person that I can count on, and my person I trust 100%. I found this in grade 12 when Mrs. K came into my life. She has inspired me to keep going even in hard times, to make everyday count, to live in the moment, and to show love, empathy and compassion to everyone you come into contact with. She continues to inspire me everyday to come from a place of understanding and love. Mental Health is such a big part of my life, and I hope to inspire someone one day with my story. Mrs. K, along with my own story, is the main reason why my dream is to be a guidance counsellor. I see the way she has changed my life and continues to be there for me. If I can be half the teacher and counsellor she is, I will be doing something right!

Mental Health and Mental Illness is a big part of my life. It always has been, and always will be. I am committed to making the world a better place and helping end the stigma around Mental Illness and Mental Health, because I to struggle.

To hear more about my Mental Illness and Mental Health story, check out my Mental Health and Illness page under Menu