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Born
I was born at St. Joseph's hospital here in London. -
Stone: Northdale Closing
My first elementary school, Northdale P.S., closed. I chose to go to the at-the-time new Stoney Creek P.S., separating from all of my friends. -
Stone: Pet Hamster Died
2 years after I got him, my pet hamster Marco Polo passed away. He was my first (and only) pet. I distinctly remember holding his still body in my two hands and sobbing. Later, my mom helped me bury him in our yard. I felt glad to return him to the earth.When he died, I felt sad for the loss of my companion, but also heavily guilty. I knew he had lived a fine lifespan, but I worried that I could have been a better parent. I regretted my mistakes and occasional subpar care. -
Petal: Ended toxic friendships
After a few years of being in toxic friendships with friends I made at Stoney Creek P.S., I finally ended them. This is a petal because I felt so much more free to be myself, and as a result much happier. However, I struggled with loneliness and missed the good moments of my friendships. In the long run though, this event fundamentally changed how I viewed and treated myself, as I learned my own value. -
Petal: Met my current best friend ("E")
In grade 9, I met my current closest friend. After suffering from the toxic friendships, I had a very skewed sense of self and little self-esteem. Spending time with my best friend made me re-learn myself and who I was and what I enjoyed as a person. I remember feeling happier than I had ever since Northdale closed. -
Petal: Joined vocal & choir; did vocal solo
In grade 9, I decided to join vocal class and the choir. I finally improved my singing skills and gained confidence through singing with others. At the end of the year, I managed to practice for and perform a vocal solo. I had never felt so proud of myself before. -
Petal: Performed song in talent assembly
I gathered enough courage to audition for the spring multicultural assembly, where students would sing and dance. I never thought I'd be the type of person to perform in front of the student body. But, thanks to my confidence-building from vocal and choir, I pushed myself to audition and performed. When everyone cheered, I felt a happiness and pride stronger than ever, and I realized how much I adored performing. I realized I wasn't doomed to be only in the audience forever. -
Stone: Got broken up with first boyfriend
This was my first "real" relationship. I learned a lot about myself, and developed skills in navigating romantic relationships and conflicts. I grieved/was heartbroken for over six months before feeling whole without him again. As a positive, I carried my experiences and skills with me into future relationships. Also, I gained a lot of self-esteem through having a guy who liked me enough to date me. Unfortunately, I dealt with this by seeking male validation and feeling lonely after breaking up. -
Petal: Completed co-op placement
In grade 11, I completed a semester-long co-op ed placement. I remember before the placement began that I was so nervous for the interview, I regretted taking the co-op course. By the end of it, I gained many interpersonal skills, communication skills, and confidence interacting with strangers and being in a work environment. -
Stone: Discovered "pro-ana" & disordered eating
Sometime in late grade 11, I discovered the "pro-ana" community online. At first, it was morbid curiosity as I browsed the forums as a guest. But eventually, I wanted to "try" the "lifestyle". What I didn't realize was this would begin a years-long struggle of periodic disordered eating and permanently damaged self-image. -
Petal: Met my current boyfriend
Meeting my boyfriend has changed my life. Not just because of love, but I have learned and matured significantly in many areas of my life and understanding of the world. I also regained much of my lost confidence from past guys and disordered eating. I learned to appreciate myself as I was, and further developed conflict management skills. I also learned how to fully accommodate for another person intimately involved in my life. -
Petal: Started nursing school
I began my university nursing program! I had always been concerned about the direction of my life and my career. Joining the nursing program has helped me feel secure in my future trajectory and given me a clear direction and goal to work towards.