Hello Readers!! Guess What! This week we are taking the chance to introduce ourselves to you in a little more depth than before! So sit back, relax, and enjoy our Team Member Showcase!
~ Defying Shadows Team
What defines you as a person? Who are you?
Hi, my name is Alex. I’m a 22 year old who has no clue what they’re doing (virtual high five if you feel the same way.) I’ve been in and out of Uni for the past two years due to my mental health. However, after two years of being out of my desired program, I am set to return to nursing in the fall semester (well, technically, in like, a week and a half … Eeeeeeeek!) I knew ever since grade 11 that being a nurse is what I wanted to do – i just understood all the language and knowledge that accompanies it – it was never a huge struggle for me. And, to be honest, I love it. I love the fact that you can get creative with it, that you have to think on your toes. I like the challenge it presents me. Helping people is another bonus of this career choice.
I’ve always thought that my Nanny and I are the same person. We literally like all the same things – she tells me everytime I see her that I inherited everything from her (and her side of the family.) Which is probably the best compliment I could ever get because she is one incredible woman. She is old fashioned, English, stubborn, kind, and stands up for what she believes in – everything I aspire to do and be.
If there’s anything I want you to know about me, it’s that my favourite thing to do is sit on the couch watching Murder, She Wrote drinking a cuppa tea with my Nanny trying to figure out who the killer is in the episode. Yes, we do this EVERY time I visit her, and I will never get tired of it.
(Fun fact: for Christmas last year, my Dad bought me the entire series of Murder, She Wrote.)
What is your personal “motto”?
“I say what I want to say and do what I want to do. There’s no in between. People will either love you for it or hate you for it.” – Eminem
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I’m neither one or the other, I’m somewhere in the middle. So, I’d consider my self more of an ambivert.
What is your biggest fear?
Snakes.
What’s your biggest dream?
This is a tough question, because all I do is dream. I want to do and be everything. I want be a lawyer, a doctor, a scientist, an author. But, I think that my biggest goal would definitely be going to law or medical school.
What motivates you?
I’m a massive fan of challenges. I like being faced with a puzzle and having to figure it out. The curiousity, the different pieces and how they connect to one another is intriguing to me. Passion is also something that motivates me. If I’m not interested in what I’m doing, then I’m not going to do it (or may not do it to the best of my ability.)
What makes you happy?
Music, my Nanny, my cat Maya, and tea – in no particular order.
If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything. Everything I’ve ever done has brought me here today and has taught me a lesson. And each lesson that I evidently needed to learn. But I would like to time travel. Can I do that?
Where do you see yourself within five years?
Living in England working as a registered nurse.
What do you do outside of Defying Shadows?
I’ve currently become a gym junkie.My favourite class to attend is cardio kickboxing. Within the next few weeks I’m going to start taking up boxing. Like everyone else, I have a love-hate relationship with the gym. Sometimes there are days I don’t want to go, but I have to remind myself that it helps me relax and de-stress. I also enjoy reading – I’m currently reading Paper Towns by John Green. I also love trying to solve murder mysteries.
What does defying shadows mean to you as a person?
When I think of the term ‘defying shadows,’ the first thing that comes to mind is safe place. Defying Shadows is a place of comfort and understanding. It is a place to share experiences in order to help others. It’s a place where everyone is able to speak their mind and feel comfortable with who they are and what they’ve been through (or are going through.) We are network of support and love.
Alex Newton is a nursing student and mental health advocate. She grew up in a small town and plans on moving to London, England one day and open up her own health practice. She has a cat named Maya who she adopted whilst going through some difficulties. She’s a daughter, sister, and warrior who enjoys a nice cuppa tea.
Defying Shadows 