By Michelle Harwood | AboutFace Member and Camper
I first heard about "AboutFace" and attended Camp Trailblazers in September 2009. I was already one of the older campers; however, I used the opportunity to assist others. I was born with a Hemangioma and experienced a few surgeries throughout my life. When I first arrived at camp, I heard so many other stories of individuals going throu huge journeys. Since I was nearing the end of my hospital visits, I was able to help out campers so that they could see and understand that there is an amazing future ahead of them and to always keep their head up. I was bullied for having a facial difference as a child and i found it hard to fight through. Once I got to AboutFace and realized I was not the only oine going through this; my confidence and understnanding frew stronger. I was able to share my stories with younder childeren so that they could also gain confidence and courage to stand up for themselves in similar situations.
I continued on working with children through a program called 'Big Brothers Big Sister of Toronto' where I was a mentor to a younger 'sister' to help build her confidence and trust towards others as well as herself. I have also been involved in Me to We for zix years where I have raised awareness and funds for children in need both globally and locally. I have been the chair for this committee and have raised money through events and fundraisers in addition to taking part and running local food drives.
I realized through my work with children and AboutFace that my passion is helping children. At school, I enjoy studying science and math and I hope to be able to use my science education to become a doctor. My hospital visits while I was younger opened my eyes to the many different careers that are focused on helping children. These visits and my later involvement in AboutFace helped me realize that I wanted to be either a family practitioner or pediatric craniofacial surgeon. I want to be able to give back to children who are going through situations similar to those I experienced.
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