Hi I’m Connie and my blog is about how strong I have become. I have been through so much pain growing up, but it has made me the person I am today. I have doubted myself in the past and said to myself “I can’t do it”, but this experience has made me more positive.

When the teacher told me that I got picked, I didn’t believe it at first. After advancing a bit further into the program, I still doubted whether I would make it through. A month before leaving, I thought “no it’s not happening they are going to kick me out and let somebody else in”. I thought I was going to quit or make a fool of myself.  Even though I had doubts, I still kept trying and had hope. Then, it was the day before we had to leave to Ottawa. I was packed and ready to go, and I still couldn’t believe it.

The morning came, and I was at the airport ready to go! When I got to Ottawa, I was so shocked and amazed- I couldn’t believe I was finally here! I saw trees outside the airport! Then 4 weeks later, I was in Nova Scotia, Truro, Bible hill at Deb and Carl’s house with Sharon. The first morning, Deb was shouting “girls get ready to go out because there’s famous people outside (I thought it was Selena Gomez!). Next thing I know, I was outside with the peace runners and held the torch flame and said to myself “ I want to heal myself and let go of the pain that I’ve been holding”. From that point on I realized that it’s okay to let go and that there are people out there that can help. I learned to look at the bright side of things. I am so glad I’m here, and thank you to everyone who helped me have this amazing and wonderful opportunity.

I really appreciate it!

Connie