Speaking Out

You are sitting at your desk and are presented with a simple, ordinary box. You are curious as to its contents, and decide to open it. 

My time at The Catholic Register truly ended up being the product of an act of God. 

This summer has been the most unique and beautiful season I have experienced. My colleague and I lived in Wollaston Lake, Sask., a Dene reserve in northern Saskatchewan, working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and groups, connecting partners to nurture healing, empower youth and foster leadership through the Northern Bridge Community Partnership for the past two months.

Has the symbol of the cross lost its relevance in today’s world?

When school let out in June, all my teachers could talk about was, “Don’t waste your summer” and “keep up with the world around you.” But the most notable thing I heard on the final day of class came from a friend. “It sucks, but the sucky things in life don’t stop just because we’re out (of school).” 

I sat down one night and watched the Jonas Brothers documentary entitled Chasing Happiness. I loved every second. My 15-year-old self was thrilled and I was honestly so impressed by how these three young men completely opened up in a way that was new to their audience (i.e. going from Disney Channel to truth-telling drinking games).

When people find out that I’ve walked the Camino Portugués across Europe, I am often asked: What made you want to do it? When I take a moment to reflect, I cannot think of anything specific. 

“Take a risk, get involved, be committed!” Four years later and I finally understand the importance of my high school motto. 

This past March Break, I found myself as a pilgrim visiting amazing places like Barcelona, Assisi, Siena and the Vatican. It was part of a school trip that Chaminade College School organized for me and 16 of my fellow classmates and it was an amazing life experience. 

I’m something of an expert at first-year. I’ve been a first-year three times, a second-year twice, a third-year once and now I’m going into my last year at Brock University — unless the Lord has other plans for me. (Please Lord, don’t have other plans for me).