Getting to know Sarah:
Q: Who inspires you?
A: “My teachers! Some have inspired me morally, some academically, some in all of the things they do. Each and every teacher that I have had has shaped me in some way, some more than others, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without some of these awesome humans.”
Q: Goals… what do you hope to conquer?
A: “I am starting University this Fall in the faculty of Education. This kind of adds on to who inspires me, but I went through a really rough time these past two years, I was struggling with mental illness, reliving past traumas and trying to juggle all of my other day to day stresses. My teachers were and some still are a crucial part in me getting through these struggles. One has shown me that lightness is still possible after years of darkness, another has shown me that no matter what life throws at you, you can always prevail, together, my teachers have taught me countless lessons and were always there for me when I needed it most. I hope to someday do the same for someone else. My goal is to be one of the teachers that I was so lucky to have. Another big goal of mine is to help ensure that less and less and eventually no other children have to go through what I went through as a child. I want to raise awareness about local child abuse and to demonstrate that prevention is possible through the organization I have created called “Holding Hope“.”
Q: What message would you like to share with the community?
A: “Always be kind and smile at strangers. You never know what someone is going through, and speaking from experience receiving something as simple as a smile can be life-changing.”
Q: Any additional fun facts, quirks or important deets you’d like us to know about?
A: “Anything with cooked broccoli is the way to my heart! I play roller derby and have for 7 years! I can play four musical instruments and I have four dogs.”
“I spent the afternoon with Sarah while colouring her hair… all I can say is DANG, she is one incredible young human! Sarah is involved in SOOOO much through her school, and her community… she is definitely not the type to wait for change, she’ll just do it herself. She is 100% a mover and a shaker, a leader and a motivated person. I’m very thankful to have met Sarah and look forward to offering support with her future endeavours with Holding Hope. This project continues to remind me how much good there is in the world, how many amazing people there are out there who just dive in with both feet to create positive change in any way they can.”
~ Kristina Blake