Do What You Want To

Sometimes in school, I find that I spend a lot of time focused on I should be doing… Instead of what I want to be. However, my English degree will help eventually guide me into the field of journalism, so no matter how tired I get over Shakespeare and other such writers, I know I am doing the right thing.Today I met with John Davidson founder of Jesse's Journey and father to Jesse Davidson. It was an honour to meet him again, as I had met him once with Jesse when I was six years old. I remember the story well, he was promoting Jesse's Journey in Spring Bank Park and my mom had brought my sister and I to see. We went up to see them and he asked what my name was. instead of Karli, he assumed I said Harley, and he cracked a joke about the fact that if I married his son my name would be Harley Davidson. The man I met today was just as friendly and charismatic. Since the passing of Jesse in 2009, John has continued to speak, but in a different sense. He gives speeches to important figures including businessmen and otherwise in his talks, he includes the fact that we often mistake of our goals for our dreams, we get so caught up in our careers and what we think we should be doing, that we never take the time to realize what we've always wanted to do. He expressed the importance of traveling when we feel the need to, and even revisiting an old childhood hobby, or trying to do the one that we told ourselves we couldn't do. I've been lucky enough to do several of the things I thought I couldn't, like going to University, something as simple as riding a skidoo, riding a Harley-Davidson and publishing small pieces of work. We discussed how in the field of journalism it is important to get a lot of practice in many sectors of the field, but it is also important to become an expert in something. For myself I hope it allows me to become an expert on spreading the word about disability, and bringing to light isuses that are usually swept under the rug, because celebrity news takes a forefront. I have already experienced positive feedback in the form of this blog, and small editorial piece published in the London Free Press. I only hope that I continue to feel positive force in my life, because I know I will be happy as long as I am able to freely express myself in writing, and in doing so giving others a new perspective.

Karli

10 Things I've Learned from King's

1. The most valuable lessons don't always come from $7000 lectures

Sure, I've had great profs, and read brilliant pieces of literature, but the lessons that have stayed better than any, have come from the people I've met.

2. It's ok to ask for help

In real life or school, don't assume you're the only one going through something, because you're not, and there's always someone willing to help.

3. Finish things early (when possible)

It alleviates stress in any circumstance, and when you're not cramming, you do a better job, and have more time to do what you love

4. Accept rejection with grace

There are many times we get rejected in in life, and if we reacted in anger, and took it personally everytime, our self esteem would go up in flames. Rejection often opens doors to better opportunities

4. Do things for you, not others

Never do things on the grounds that it's what your family and friends expect of you. Do them because you want to

5. Get out of your comfort zone

Do something or go somewhere you normally wouldn't. It could be fun, and teach you something new about yourself!

6. Say something

If you feel something could be improved upon, use your voice and say so. Chances are your opinion is shared, but others just wait for someone else to make the move

7. Slow down

We should be in no hurry to get anywhere. If you need to take summer school to lighten next year's load, do it. If you need to take a year off, do that too!

8. Keep an open mind

Just because you don't share the same opinion or values as someone, doesn't mean their opinion is not worth listening to. You can whine a lot when you tune in to other stations once in a while

9. The friends you start with, aren't always the ones you finish with

It's always hard to drift apart from someone you were once close to. Sometimes you'll find that you're not on the same page anymore, and that's okay because in truth, nothing lasts forever, no matter how good you thought it was

10. Be thankful

Not everybody has the opportunity to go to university, or a college for further education. For myself, I am the first person in the entirety of my family (except those who married in), to go to university. Though sometimes I found it to be stressful, it's an experience that I wouldn't change for the world!

Karli

Top 10 Pet Peeves of Having Workes

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate every bit of  I can get, but sometimes these things need to be written down…

1. When I get a cheery morning person at 6 AM

I know I have to get up, but let me do it at my own pace… I don't need a Mary Poppins sing-along at 6 AM

2. The never ending game of 20 questions

I realize you need to ask me what I want, but try putting general conversation in between your questions…

3. When they come in chewing gum like obnoxious cows 

Everybody needs to freshen their breath, but when it's the only thing I hear and I can barely hear your voice, then there is a problem

4 When 10 minutes of short booking time is taken up by the sign-in/out process.

I know you'd like to get paid for mileage, but I also have to Pee

5 When they want to talk… And I don't

What did you do today? Work. How was school today? Fine. What about that goldfish that died when you were eight?…

6 When they relate you to another disabled person they know

Your legs shake, just like my crippled uncle Bob's! That's great, but I'm not your crippled uncle Bob…

7. When they attempt to give me life advice, at random

My cat died yesterday,  and if it taught me anything… hug your absent mother, and treat that guy who broke your heart to lunch!

8. When they talk about that job/life they wish they had

I want to win the lottery too, and I'm sorry that wiping asses is not what you hoped, but you won't escape it in nursing either…

9. When they leave things I need in able-bodied places

That's okay I didn't really need the salt anyway

10. When they leave things lying around

Just go ahead and run over your shoes that I left in the middle of the hallway, It doesn't matter if you could get potentially stuck in manual