It was in high school that I first discovered what would become a life long passion for the performing arts. I remember thinking at the time that joining the 'drama club' had saved my life.
Through creative expression I began to develop a sense of self, and slowly but surely, I started to envision a future in which my particular 'gifts' could serve a higher purpose.
Last August, less than 24 hours before attending her first day of high school, I interviewed a bright and articulate young woman named Gabriella. Two years earlier, Gabriella had received a bursary to attend Quest's Summer Drama Camp. After her first week at camp, she had made such a positive impressive on camp leaders that they requested she recieve additional weeks of bursary support, so that she could continue to thrive. And thrive she did - so much so, that she ended that first summer as a camp assistant!
Gabriella was such an amazing young lady that we wanted to know more about her story.
As we spoke, I was struck by how honest and open she was, and by how much I personally related to what she was sharing. I listened closely as she courageously described a series of complex and challenging events which had led to a counsellor recommending that she enroll in Quest's Summer Drama Camp.
At only 12 years old, Gabriella had been suffering from feelings of deep isolation and disconnection, which is sadly not uncommon in girls her age. Her struggle had led to depression, anxiety and behaviours that had become a serious risk to her health and well-being. Both Gabriella's counsellor and doctor, felt that it was important for her to stay active and socially engaged through the summer months. They were concerned that without the structure of the school week and related activities Gabriella would become more and more isolated and depressed.
Gabriella confessed that initially she definitely didn't want to go to camp. She was terrified of doing something so far outside her comfort zone as attending a 'drama camp'. However, her parents (who had emigrated from Cuba) decided it would be best to follow the advice of health care professionals and enrol her.
Gabriella shared that despite her initial reluctance, she immediately felt supported and safe and began letting go of her fears and anxiety. On her first day, a camp leader found her alone in the hallway, fighting off an anxiety attack. Gabriella told me that the leader simply sat next to her on the hallway floor and kept her company, listening, and assuring her that she was safe and could work at her own pace. She immediately felt her fears lifting. As she rejoined camp activities, she discovered that stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things quickly began feeling more comfortable.
Gabriella told me that she loved camp because it was a place where it was okay to try even if she "failed" because "everyone was doing it together, and no one was judging."
Gabriella credits her time in Quest summer camp with changing her life forever and opening her eyes (and imagination) to new possibilities for the future.
I believe that championing the benefits of creative self expression is one of the most valuable things I can contribute to my community. I truly believe that it is essential to provide young people with environments in which creativity, individuality, play, and healthy risk-taking can be safely explored and celebrated. THAT is #MyQuest.
