Solidarity Article #2: Surround yourself 

I always loved school. I was happy to get the best grades possible, take on my own challenges and then be proud of it. My singing career took off when I was in secondary 4 and I had difficulty finishing my studies. That being said, I always wanted to get my degree. I told myself, secretly, that one day I would go back there. At the age of 30, I decided to return to school and finish my secondary education.

Phew! It was not easy. Every evening, for a month, I called my mother. I was crying. I was tired. Tired of this pace of study, of these distant things from the past to have to relearn. Tired of protons, neutrons, of this secondary 4 physics science that I saw myself doing at 30. Then, after a month, I got back into the swing of things. It was better. I was happy to be at school and to face academic challenges again. How proud I felt when I got good grades and finally my diploma!

I succeeded through my own determination, but also and above all because I was well surrounded. Good friends and family to support me, teachers who understood that as an adult, it is sometimes much easier not to give yourself the chance to grow further...

A circle of positive people who believe in us is essential to any success. Investing in people and their potential will always be one of the best investments we can make. This conviction that support is essential to succeed is also at the heart of my commitment with the Société de Saint-Vincent de Paul de Montréal. With this organization, we firmly believe that every person deserves a support network to help them meet life's challenges and make their dreams come true.

Help is available. Here, there, all around you. You just have to dare to ask, open your heart, share your fears, your fears, your aspirations, your goals and your objectives. A dream can be shared and come true!

I believe in school perseverance more than anything. At any age, we can choose ourselves again.

The sky is huge, isn't it? It is, just like the potential within you. Remember to believe in yourself!