ABOUT THE ROCSTAR

I am 19 years old, and I am going into my second year of university at University of Toronto. I plan to major in sociology, and to minor in women and gender studies as well as sexual diversity studies. I enjoy reading, listening to music, attending theatre productions, and socializing with my friends. Growing up, I did not have a good upbringing, seeing as how I experienced lots of mental/emotional abuse, and trauma. Nevertheless, I have always been passionate about helping other people, and that is why I am striving towards turning my passion into a career.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ROC

When I was introduced to the ROC in 7th grade, I didn’t know how much it would have a positive impact on my life. They helped my pave the road to a better future. They have given me the opportunity to be part of countless programming, and endless support to achieve my goals. They believed in me when it felt like no one else did. For the last two summers, I have been lucky enough to be employed at the ROC. I continue to have opportunities to learn, such as: youth engagement tasks, being a mentor, and getting continuous insight to my future as a youth worker.

SKILLS LEARNED

The ROC has taught me many skills, from confidence, to self-efficacy. They have taught me how to believe in myself, and to know that even when they going gets rough, to never give up. They provided me with mentors, and coming from a background that lacked a good role model, it was and still remains refreshing to come in contact with individuals who are sensible, kind, caring, and confident.

GOING INTO THE FUTURE

Going into the future, I plan to finish my schooling and have a career in the field of social work. The ROC has left an everlasting impact on me, and that is what inspires me to go into the field I am. At the end of the day, helping someone else makes you feel so much better. While to the world my smile may just be one smile, but to one person my smile might make their world just a little better.