Ah, school. The place where we spend most of our early life. Some people love it, and then there are some people who don’t. I have always been the one to enjoy learning and going to school. For my grade school and high school careers, I was a good student who always did their homework, went to school, and was never late for class. Until about grade 11, I always thought to myself ‘why do you always have to be on time? Everyone else is late, so you can be late too.’ Meanwhile it was about three of my classmates who were late. But the issue wasn’t that I was always on time, it was that I wanted to be late because everyone else was. And in grade 11, I had realised that I enjoyed learning (and being late for appointments and class is a very big pet peeve of mine.)
Just recently, Michelle Obama launched a campaign called #62milliongirls. This campaign was created to help girls around the world who are unable to get the education they rightfully deserve. When I first heard about this campaign, I thought to myself ‘there isn’t anything this woman can’t do.’ But after some thought, I realised how much of an effect the message of the campaign has on me.
When I first started uni, I was taking my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (or BScN for short.) Then after a year and a half I took time off for my mental health, and then from then on I had been in school on and off – at one point switching my major. For me, nursing has always been natural for me. I’ve always understood the jargon and the information, but realising that I am capable of finishing my BScN degree with my diagnosis wasn’t. I would always question whether or not I should go back into the nursing program or just quit school all together and work (and go back if and when I ever wanted to.) But, with a little help from some of my friends (one of which graduated from the program already), I knew that fighting my way back into the program and career path I belonged in was exactly what I needed to. So, that’s where I’m at right now – fighting my way back to where I belong.
My point to all of this is simple: once you have your degree/diploma/certficate, NO ONE can take that away from you. Getting an education is the BEST thing you can ever do for yourself. So, I’m thankful to be given one last shot at something worth fighting for; my education.
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 