Inspiring Futures: AboutFace Scholarship Program

I became involved in AboutFace when I was 7 years old, and it was the best thing that could have happened to me. Through AboutFace, I learned to become more comfortable in my own skin and love myself for who I am. It gave me the chance to meet peers who could understand the struggles I was facing when it came to dealing with a facial difference. Being a part of AboutFace has been a life changing experience, allowing me to see the world in a different perspective.  The organization has provided me with the support I needed when I hit low points in my life.   Just knowing that support was available when I needed it has helped me to be successful in my life. Throughout the years I have taken part in many AboutFace activities such as Family Days, bowling, roller-skating and Camp Trailblazers. Going to camp was one of the best decisions I have ever made and the memories will stay with me forever. I have also taken part in many activities through Sick Kids, such as Girl's Stuff and Film 101. Most recently I spoke on the panel at Sick Kid's Jaw Surgery Information Session.

I was an attendee the year before and found it very helpful in preparing for my jaw surgery. I felt it was very important to offer my own experience with the surgery as others had done for me. Presently I am doing leadership training, which will enable me to return to Camp Trailblazers this year as a volunteer. One of the tasks for working on my leadership skills was attending a dental conference and helping to run a table. I will be attending the Adult Retreat this month and I am very excited. I hope that by staying involved in AboutFace, I can give back everything that they have given me.

In addition to AboutFace, I have been involved with Girl Guides of Canada. Through Girl Guides, I have taken part in many different activities, camps, and competitions. Some of my biggest accomplishments were winning a national photography competition, receiving the Chief Commissioner's Gold Award, and becoming a Junior Leader this year. Through Girl Guides, I have participated in various community service projects including volunteering for both international and environmental projects. I have also taken part in numerous City of Brampton events, which has given me the opportunity to volunteer in my home community. The many environmental projects I have done in Girl Guides sparked my interest in the environment and lead me to get involved with the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). I have been volunteering with CVC for the past few years; first in the Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) summer program, then as a Frontline member and now as a part of their Frontline Executive Team.  This semester I am at CVE for my co-op placement and it has been an amazing experience.  I am now looking forward to attending York University in September for their Environmental Studies program.