Crystal Clear

I am currently tackling an extra ordinary project with the one and only Shannon Boodram. After a slow start we are pursuing this project full force. I hope, wish, and know that the strong efforts we put forth will pay off in the most productive and inspiring ways possible.

As well, I will be graduating from York University in October of this year with a B.A. in Kinesiology with Honours. Finally that road is coming to an end. While the time spent was stressful and scary at times, I will be happy when I cross that stage. I'll probably cry, but I plan on throwing a party too!! I also have a couple of personal projects that I need to research and get underway.

In the near future I hope to continue this inspiring journey with Shannon because I believe that with our project we can create a monumental influence in the lives of young girls.

writer, orator psychologist without the degree, activist, feminist…new wave that is. Overall I am a daughter, a sister, a cousin, a friend, a colleague and student; even after graduation.

My proudest accomplishment did not come with a plaque, ribbon or medal, rather it came with praise, encouragement and a smile. It also came out of one of the darkest times in my life. It showed its face when it seemed as if all the faces around me were changing.

I am happy to say that I can now call myself a writer. Not only do I wear this title proudly, but I am able to share my work with others and take in whatever criticism they have to give. I never wanted to “label” myself that way because I felt it held too many expectations that I did not think I could fulfill. Now I just want to write and I want you to read!

There are so many lessons that I have learned that it is hard to narrow them all down to one so I will highlight a few that are more prominent in my everyday interactions.

One of the hardest lessons that I have had to learn is that even when you give it your all things may still turn out wrong. Yet knowing that you tried your best to do right is sometimes all you get out of the experience and I can find comfort in that.

Nobody is waiting at the side of the road to give you what you want. If you want something you have to go out and get it yourself. Waiting for others can often cause you to miss opportunities.

Those who are quick to judge and slow to support you doubt you the most and create the most negative energy that is ultimately detrimental to your success, whatever that may be.

Finally, do not look at what others have and measure your success by theirs in ways that will cause you to stray away from your personal goals. While it is good to take what others have done as a driving force to succeed, it is important to appreciate your accomplishments and work on getting what is best for you.

I really do not have any specific “ah ha” moments where I learned something. It has been small and big instances throughout my maturation that has taught me these lessons.

Overall, BELIEVE in yourself, THINK for yourself, and BE yourself.

I live in a suburb right outside of Toronto (Brampton) so I am not in the heart of the city, however I have a love for Toronto. There are times though that I need to get away, and I do, but once I return I am happy to be back and the things that seemed so monotonous became very pleasing and exciting. With every return I get more appreciative. There is something about this city that makes me wish it the best because I believe that Toronto has not completely stepped into its own. I strongly believe that Toronto still has more growing to do in order to reach the level that makes people smile when you tell them where you're from rather than just asking you how you can stand the cold. I have become more aware of the people in our city who are making genuine strides towards creating a fantastic biography for Toronto and I silently applaud them. I am not referring to the ones in power instead I am referring to the ones at the street level who not only make change, but also affect change. Mostly I am inspired by the idea that Toronto has the chance to be recognized distinctly from all major cities rather than just as a resemblance of another city.