Why Walk When you can Fly

In my first year of university, I struggled with many challenges. I was very aware of my differences, and having no one go through University before me, I thought that even though I had made it, I might not finish.

I remember when the first wave of essays and exams hit, and for some reason my computer kept crashing. I went to the library with hopes of putting a dent in my work, but I ended up having a meltdown instead. Someone who I had just recently met,  found me in the corner close to tears. She dragged me out of the library, and into a deserted room. 

That moment was a changing day for me, because not only did she let me sob incoherently into her sweater, but she also listened to my concerns, and told me that no problem was too big or too small for somebody to listen and care. She even came over that weekend to help me catch up on my papers. A few days later, I found the attached video in my mailbox.

I had the good sense to save the video for a rainy day, because I knew that there would be more rough times ahead. Sure enough, there was, and there will be, but I made it 

I decided to share this video, and this story today because it is a big day in regards to  Bell Canada and raising awareness for mental health, and just like my friend said, no problem is too big or too small for somebody to listen. Just opening up to conversation can change somebody's attitude and perspective for the better. 

I never really thanked her for her unwavering support in my years of university, but I hope she knows how much I love her and appreciate herfor that, and every day I've  known her since.

More Than a Quick Fix

Today was the dreaded wheelchair fix-it day. This happens yearly (sometimes more than once if the elements are cruel). It's usually dreaded because they show up at the last minute; and when they do, you just know they want to be anywhere but on the job.

Today was different. The man made the necessary fixes, but also told me what/when he was fixing things. He even made conversation, and juggled a rambunctious kitten jumping in his tool bag.

In spite of the latter being funny to watch, the conversation was a nice surprise. He asked me about my life; where I'd been, what I'd been through, and where I wanted to go. I brought up my interest in journalism, and replacing the "biggest booty of 2014" stories with more substantial information.

He agreed with the importance of substance, and then added that a lot of people probably swallowed celebrity happenings, to escape reality.

We then got on the subject of healthcare, and I started by saying the company that I got help from was moving forward by hiring men. He said that he had worked in the system for years, and was always  trying to prove himself. I confided that most of the men that I had I liked, but I could tell when they weren't in it for the right reasons. When I raise concern about anything at all, I'm not really acknowledged.

In his own job, he said he found a similar issue. He would suggest changes to serve and help us in the best possible way, but he wouldn't be heard if it didn't  fit with the profit margin. It was really interesting how our different perspectives lined up today. One thing is for sure, no matter what you are trying to fix, the solution is not always a quick one.

Karli