Inspiring the Next Generation: A Meaningful Visit to Christ the King
Original music by Luc Gaylie — available on his YouTube channel: Dream Big Go Far Inspiring the Next Generation: A Meaningful Visit to Christ the King
Being invited to speak to the students of Christ the King — the very school where my own educational journey began — was an honour I will never forget. The purpose of my visit was simple yet deeply meaningful: to share my story, offer encouragement, and hopefully inspire the next generation of learners to believe in their own potential.
What made the day even more special was that this visit took place in the same building where I spent ten formative years of my life. Returning not as a student, but as a guest speaker, brought together purpose, gratitude, and nostalgia in the most powerful way.
Arriving at a School That Helped Shape Me
We arrived right at noon, parked the van, gathered my technology, and made our way to the front doors. I entered the school in my wheelchair, moving through the familiar space where I once learned, laughed, and grew.
At the office, I was greeted by Mr. Morra, my former French teacher, whose warm smile and genuine joy set the tone for the day. I also saw Ms. DeAgazio, the school secretary, who welcomed me with the same kindness I remembered. Soon after, I met Mr. Kelly, the school principal, who introduced himself and thanked me for coming.
Preparing the Gym for the Presentation
Mr. Morra escorted us to the gym, where a team of Grade 7 and 8 audiovisual helpers were already setting up the sound system, projector, and seating. Their enthusiasm was contagious — bright faces, eager hands, and a sense of pride in preparing for the event.
As teachers entered the gym with their classes, Mr. Morra personally handed each teacher their set of Exit Tickets, ensuring every student would have a chance to reflect on the presentation afterward.
We tested the sound and visuals, took a few photos, and soon everything was ready.
Speaking to Nearly 300 Students
Just before 1:00 p.m., Mr. Kelly returned to check in. When the bell rang and students began filing in — from the Grade 8s all the way down to the JKs — the gym filled with nearly 300 attentive young faces.
Mr. Kelly offered a warm introduction, sharing that I was a former student and thanking me for returning to speak. Then it was time for my presentation.
I spoke about my journey, my experiences, and the lessons I’ve learned. The students listened with focus and respect. Their questions during the Q&A were thoughtful, curious, and deeply engaged.
Throughout the Q&A, Mr. Morra facilitated the process, guiding students to the microphone and ensuring everyone who wanted to ask a question had the opportunity.
Afterward, I demonstrated how I walk using my RGO’s (reciprocating gait orthosis) — something many students had never seen before.
A Gift for the School
Before closing, I presented Mr. Kelly with a copy of my recently published book. He accepted it graciously and thanked me again for sharing my story with the school community.
Reconnecting With Familiar Faces
As the students left the gym, we took photos with staff and teachers — including two of my former educational resource workers, Ms. Muffolini and Ms. Hicks. Seeing them again was incredibly special.
While walking the halls afterward, I met Ms. McQueen, a new teacher at the school this year, who shared how much she enjoyed the presentation.
A few steps later, Mr. Morra thanked me once again for coming. He told me that I had truly inspired the students, and we exchanged our goodbyes. Hearing those words from a teacher who knew me as a child was deeply heartfelt.
Throughout the afternoon, I also saw other familiar faces from my years as a student — people I remembered well, and who remembered me just as warmly. Among them were Ms. DiRisio — although she never taught me, she remembered me well — as well as Mr. Lingard, the Head Custodian, and Mr. Tagares, the Night Custodian. Seeing them at different points during my visit, each offering kind words and smiles, added another layer of meaning to the day.
A Walk Down Memory Lane — Literally
As we continued down the hallway, I noticed the Trustee Award plaque from June 2011 — an honour shared by me and one of my dearest friends. Seeing my name there brought back a wave of memories and pride.
And then came one of the most meaningful moments of the day:
Although I entered the school in my wheelchair,
I walked through the school after my presentation.
I walked into the office.
And I walked out of the school — a first in my life.
To walk the same halls where I once rolled… that was powerful. It was emotional. It was a testament to how far I’ve come.
Collecting the Exit Tickets
Before leaving, I went to the office to gather all the completed Exit Tickets that had been returned by the teachers. While in the office, I saw Ms. DeAgazio again, who was working alongside Ms. DaRosa, another teacher at the school. It was wonderful to see the teamwork and warmth that continue to define the Christ the King community.
What I Learned From Reading the Students’ Exit Tickets
After gathering all the completed Exit Tickets from the office and reading through every single one of them, I was genuinely moved by what the students shared. Their reflections were thoughtful, honest, and full of heart. It meant so much to see how deeply they connected with my story and how openly they expressed what they heard, what it made them think about, and what they now wonder.
Many students wrote that they saw strength, perseverance, and positivity in my presentation. They described feeling inspired, encouraged, and reminded that kindness matters. A lot of them reflected on how important it is to treat others with respect, to include everyone, and to never give up — even when life feels difficult.
Some students shared that hearing my story made them think about their own lives, their families, or people they know who face challenges. Others said it helped them appreciate what they have, or reminded them to be more grateful and more compassionate.
A number of students were curious about my daily life — how I communicate, how I walk, how my technology works, and what it feels like to live with a disability. Their questions were sincere and thoughtful, showing a genuine desire to understand and learn.
What touched me most was how many students said they wanted to be kinder, more patient, more respectful, or more confident after hearing my story. They wondered how they could help others, how they could make a difference, and how they could stay positive in their own lives.
Reading their words reminded me why I love speaking to young people. Their hearts are open, their minds are curious, and their reflections show a maturity far beyond their years. I felt honoured — truly honoured — to know that my visit made them think, feel, and reflect in such meaningful ways.
Student Exit Ticket Reflections
Today, I heard / saw … “I saw how she walks. I heard her story about her life.”
This made me think … ” I should never be mean to people.”
Now, I wonder … ” What life is like for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A person who inspired others.”
This made me think … ” to be myself”
Now, I wonder … ” How she does daily life activities”
Today, I heard / saw … “About someone teaching us about hope, kindness, & respect.”
This made me think … ” that we need to be kinder to others and make them feel welcome”
Now, I wonder … ” that everyone deserves kindness & help”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation of strength and perseverance”
This made me think … ” how great God is and what he can help us achieve”
Now, I wonder … ” how can I show perseverance”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that all people are unique in their own beautiful ways”
This made me think … ” about how I could help others no matter how differently are”
Now, I wonder … ” how I could impact others to help them with their challenges”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A person who even with disabilities makes other people feel better.”
This made me think … ” How did she deal with all the negative energy she must’ve encountered.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many people are in the same situation as her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her life story.”
This made me think … ” Of how many challenges she went through.”
Now, I wonder … ” How to have a mentality like hers.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A person presenting with a disability.”
This made me think … ” That anyone can overcome anything.”
Now, I wonder … ” how other people with challenges feel.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Why you should treat people kindly”
This made me think … ” to choose you should always be kind to people”
Now, I wonder … ” how did the world change from being nice to almost being mean everyday”
Today, I heard / saw … ” What’s it like with a disability.”
This made me think … ” That you can ask for help”
Now, I wonder … ” what’s it like in a wheelchair.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her saying very inspirational and kind speech I saw what kind of gear she had also”
This made me think … ” This made me think it’s very important to be kind”
Now, I wonder … ” what it was like when she was a kid”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle Gaylie.”
This made me think … ” To be kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she has a job.”
Today, I heard / saw … “I heard an amazing speech by Giselle”
This made me think … ” I think about my relative cause she also has a problem.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how many other people have a condition.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Kindness Matters heard quotes and important knowledge”
This made me think … ” That everybody matters.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why does people sometimes don’t show kindness?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard and Giselle “
This made me think … ” to be more kind”
Now, I wonder … ” How to do more”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that it is good to believe in yourself.”
This made me think … ” I should be confident about myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” If I should build an RC car (remote control car)”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Positive words”
This made me think … ” of happy things”
Now, I wonder … ” if this presentation changed someone.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her voice machine. I saw Giselle “
This made me think … ” This made me think how the world could be more accessible”
Now, I wonder … ” How it’s like to live like that.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle.”
This made me think … ” about her challenges”
Now, I wonder … ” what she went through”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle presentation.”
This made me think … ” How did she get through that”
Now, I wonder … ” How did the school used to look like.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” You can overcome everything”
This made me think … ” To choose the right thing every day”
Now, I wonder … ” If how she live on this world.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw an inspiring person “
This made me think … ” That to never give up “
Now, I wonder … ” Some of the friends she had along the way.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A remarkable girl that never let a disability that stopped her from learning”
This made me think … ” how grateful I am to be able to learn with no disabilities”
Now, I wonder … ” if there will ever be a way to help special children learn easier.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle presenting and I heard kind, positive words.”
This made me think … ” This made me think to never give up and chase your dreams”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how to be always so positive like Giselle”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Her iPad a big smile”
This made me think … ” That she is a happy person”
Now, I wonder … ” Has she always been so happy?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle giving a speech/ presentation.”
Now, I wonder … ” About Helen Keller”
Now, I wonder … ” How the machine works.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” – God loves you – We are all unique – We all need help and it is OK to ask”
This made me think … ” – God has blessed me – We are all special”
Now, I wonder … ” If one day Giselle will be able to walk”
Today, I heard / saw … ” We should include everyone. We saw Giselle stand and she worked hard to do this.”
This made me think … ” Everyone is special!”
Now, I wonder … ” Do you visit a lot of schools?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” * How does L was able to walk. * That she was able talk with a computer and tell us what she thinks.”
This made me think … ” * Being kind to people is important. * What does the device look like?”
Now, I wonder … ” * How big is your family? * What is your favourite thing to do with your friends?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” – How she persevered – how she is nice and positive.”
This made me think … ” – I can face hard things – of Terry fox, she is a good role model like he was – how important it is to be kind”
Now, I wonder … ” – what it would feel like an be like to be her – how she did it every day when she was my age – how she remains positive.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” To respect everyone and listen to others”
This made me think … ” to respect everyone in the world”
Now, I wonder … ” how do I respect”
Today, I heard / saw … ” pictures of Giselle.”
This made me think … ” About other people”
Now, I wonder … ” about Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation about G.”
This made me think … ” Wow she went through so much.”
Now, I wonder … ” How she still stays positive even when someone be’s mean.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that G’s biggest problem was not participating. I saw her brother/ family.”
This made me think … ” She must have been bored.”
Now, I wonder … ” How do they make tech for communication.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s presentation”
This made me think … ” I should never give up no matter what”
Now, I wonder … “What challenges will I face in the future”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw G and I heard her speak.”
This made me think … ” This made me think sad or hope.”
Now, I wonder … ” Now I wonder how does she brushes her teeth.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw G and I got to hear her speak to me.”
This made me think … ” about how people are unique.”
Now, I wonder … ” why people are sometime mean”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That people believed in themselves and never give up.”
This made me think … ” That I can do things and encouraged myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” If I could never give up!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle today I heard Giselle.”
This made me think … ” how does she sit”
Now, I wonder … ” how many people can stay positive”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About G and saw her”
This made me think … ” about how G felt”
Now, I wonder … ” how she felt on her first day of school”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation about kindness, respect.”
This made me think … ” that I should be more kind. “
Now, I wonder … ” When was she born”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard about G and saw her.”
This made me think … ” It’s really hard to have a life like that.”
Now, I wonder … ” What it’s like?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That it is very hard for all of those kids.”
This made me think … ” how many kids have disabilities.”
Now, I wonder … ” if her parents are at work how take care of G.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” G talking about perseverance”
This made me think … ” how sorry I am about G”
Now, I wonder … ” If that was me”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A person with a disability.”
This made me think … ” How was her life like.
Now, I wonder … ” What happened”
Today, I heard / saw … ” her share with us”
This made me think … ” did she get bullied”
Now, I wonder … ” did she cry”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw and heard G she is so happy to be here she is so nice”
This made me think … ” She is nice and she is cool”
Now, I wonder … ” how can she talk”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle walk today”
This made me think … ” happy”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” She work really hard.”
Now, I wonder … ” how can she eat”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” to be joy”
Now, I wonder … ” How can you stand”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle a former student of CTK”
This made me think … ” How you can still have fun even at the hardest times.”
Now, I wonder … ” How it’s really like living with disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” what has she accomplished”
Now, I wonder … ” if the teachers how were there then”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle a public disabled speaker”
This made me think … ” How hard life is for her”
Now, I wonder … ” what she is gonna do in the future.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” I can believe”
Now, I wonder … ” I can do anything”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s childhood”
This made me think … ” That anyone can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … ” how did this happen?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” she worked hard”
Now, I wonder … ” good”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How people with disabilities overcome roadblocks.”
This made me think … ” That people who have disabilities can do what other people do..”
Now, I wonder … ” Have people with disabilities ever done a great feat.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle “
This made me think … ” Positive”
Now, I wonder … ” How the computer knows what to type?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle graduated elementary and high school”
This made me think … ” how to show kindness.”
Now, I wonder … ” How much balance she has on her leg?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle “
This made me think … ” That she’s so strong wow!”
Now, I wonder … ” Did she go to high school with my dad?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s childhood”
This made me think … ” How interesting she is”
Now, I wonder … ” how long has she known how to stand”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle when she graduated”
This made me think … ” Giselle is positive and kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” Is she is a small person.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Someone really brave”
This made me think … ” that Giselle is so strong”
Now, I wonder … ” Are other people like that”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That no matter what never give up.”
Now, I wonder … ” Not all people do not not have a disability.”
Now, I wonder … ” How it feels like to have a disability.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That asking for help isn’t weak”
This made me think … ” I should ask for help more”
Now, I wonder … ” if all this time I was afraid to ask.
Today, I heard / saw … ” Her.”
This made me think … ” about how life is in a wheelchair and how strong Giselle.”
Now, I wonder … ” How she’ll improve”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s photos were inspiring and nice!”
This made me think … ” That she is an incredible person and very positive.”
Now, I wonder … ” Can she understand what we say.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle “
This made me think … ” Believing in yourself”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard these challenges are”
Today, I heard / saw … ” how she was confident.”
This made me think … ” how the Lord blessed us”
Now, I wonder … ” how does she do her daily activity”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard about her life.”
This made me think … ” to always be respectful.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how her future is going to be.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I a heard a encouraging say that had pictures as memories”
This made me think … ” How different her childhood was from mine.”
Now, I wonder … ” How/ what she eats.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle and her parents.”
This made me think … ” To always be kind to people”
Now, I wonder … ” how many challenges she fast”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard how it is to have a disable.”
This made me think … ” about how people with disables.”
Now, I wonder … ” how does it feel to have a disable”
Today, I heard / saw … ” today I got to heard name Giselle.”
This made me think … ” it made think good.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder now is it like to have a disable”
Today, I heard / saw … “about Giselle.”
This made me think … ” Of other people.”
Now, I wonder … ” how did she lose her voice.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a person that had a disability”
This made me think … ” this made me think that you can be anyone”
Now, I wonder … ” now I wonder that it’s hard to be disabled”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A machine speaking for herself.”
This made me think … ” How does the machine know her thoughts”
Now, I wonder … ” how much money did her family spend on all the tech she has”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that it’s always going to be difficult for someone in a wheelchair”
This made me think … ” not sure”
Now, I wonder … ” how is she so confident”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie talking about her journey.”
This made me think … ” About how special everyone is no matter who you are”
Now, I wonder … ” How old she is.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about a disabled woman’s life”
This made me think … ” about not much”
Now, I wonder … ” if it was hard”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard and saw Giselle Gaylie journey.”
This made me think … ” nothing.”
Now, I wonder … ” What happened if she still got bullied.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle speaking”
This made me think … ” How hard it is for some people with disabilities.”
Now, I wonder … ” How long has she had that device.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About Giselle”
This made me think … ” about how I would feel if I was in her shoes.”
Now, I wonder … ” if she played a sport.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” about how hard it was with a disability”
This made me think … ” how could she stand up for her bullying”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard Giselle use her computer”
This made me think … ” Why can’t she talk”
Now, I wonder … ” how can she run”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a story about someone going to school or living life with a disability.”
This made me think … ” This made me think that how did she handle going to school.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how the thing she uses to speak how does it work.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I went to an assembly and saw Giselle”
This made me think … ” how old is she “
Now, I wonder … ” how do she talk”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About her life”
This made me think … ” nothing”
Now, I wonder … ” still nothing”
Today, I heard / saw … ” about her life”
This made me think … ” to always be respectful”
Now, I wonder … ” What she is going to do in the future”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” That kindness is so powerful”
Now, I wonder … ” how did she do it.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” her smile.”
This made me think … ” How does the computer work?”
Now, I wonder … ” What does her brother do for work”
Today, I heard / saw … ” pictures”
This made me think … ” that she is of Christ the King”
Now, I wonder … ” She is in a wheelchair”
Today, I heard / saw … ” For the first time I saw someone in a wheelchair.”
This made me think … ” how lucky I am and it makes me appreciate more about myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” how she stays positive in her life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a lot of kindness”
This made me think … ” I think I will be more kind”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if a lot of people are kind like you.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw Giselle”
This made me think … ” that people always have challenges”
Now, I wonder … ” how I should be a better person”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle explaining her determination”
This made me think … ” that she has dedication.”
Now, I wonder … ” how did she keep her motivation.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” someone who was happy”
This made me think … ” of all the happy children”
Now, I wonder … ” if the students will be inspired and grateful for what they have.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Positive and insightful messages.”
This made me think … ” that everybody deserves kindness, respect and to be accepted for who you are.”
Now, I wonder … ” we can make our community more accessible.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw Giselle”
This made me think … ” about people’s lives”
Now, I wonder … ” how people with disabilities live their lives.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” today I saw Giselle and I heard a wonderful speaker”
This made me think … ” About struggles people with disabilities have.”
Now, I wonder … ” how people with other disability deal with daily tasks”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” Of her brother, Luc, at church”
Now, I wonder … ” If he plays the piano at the choir.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a presentation of a former CTK student”
This made me think … ” that Giselle is cool and how strong she is.”
Now, I wonder … ” If technology can improve anymore.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard Giselle Gaylie’s story, it made me realize how strong she is and how positive her mindset is to be able to persevere through tough times.”
This made me think … ” This made me think about how nothing is impossible and how everyone is just a person like me.”
Now, I wonder … ” How much research was put into the technology she uses today”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s story about her life”
This made me think … ” How did she talk with other students”
Now, I wonder … ” How does she talk with others.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie’s beautiful presentation”
This made me think … ” To look at the world and others differently”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can be more respectful”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie talk about her life while going through physical challenges.”
This made me think … ” that even with disabilities, people can still live a normal life”
Now, I wonder … “How we can be more accepting in our community”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw how someone transformed their disability into an incredible strength”
This made me think … ” About how much better it would be if we all empowered each other to not be afraid of our weaknesses.”
Now, I wonder … ” if there is someone like Giselle getting put down because of their differences”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie “
This made me think … ” How of a positive mindset someone could have”
Now, I wonder … ” how hard is it to have a disability?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard how glad she is to be here and her experiences.”
This made me think … ” If I should also try and make an impact.”
Now, I wonder … ” how much more impact an improvement the disabled need.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie share her story about growing up disabled and how this school helped her become who she is today.”
This made me think … ” About how hard it must be for her to have a positive attitude and how blessed she is to have the life God gave her.”
Now, I wonder … ” How much I can do in my life learning to love and ask for help.”
Today, I heard / saw … “I saw the presentation I saw a brave and strong girl”
This made me think … ” She is so brave”
Now, I wonder … ” was she bullied in high school?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard so many kind words”
This made me think … ” How grateful I am.”
Now, I wonder … ” How my life would be like her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a girl with a speech … Tell us about her life.”
This made me think … ” this made me think about how everyone goes through different things.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if she has a job”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her life story and saw her conditions”
This made me think … ” how my life would be like if I had the same conditions as her”
Now, I wonder … ” What she is going to do next.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How disabled people’s life are.”
This made me think … ” how I could help people like her”
Now, I wonder … ” how it feels to be disabled”
Today, I heard / saw … ” voices and kids and adults”
This made me think … ” about perspective”
Now, I wonder … ” about her life”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation about respect, hope and kindness.”
This made me think … ” It must’ve been very difficult to do many things like walking in communicating.”
Now, I wonder … ” Without the computer how was she able to communicate?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone who is special and kindful.”
This made me think … ” heartwarming and understanding”
Now, I wonder … ” How it feels like to be like her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a grid pad”
This made me think … ” that asking for help is good”
Now, I wonder … ” How positive you can be”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A very strong message. About resilience”
This made me think … ” That person is brave”
Now, I wonder … ” What if that was me?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw Giselle’s presentation”
This made me think … ” About how many people live different lives”
Now, I wonder … “how people have such strong mentalities”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone overcoming challenges”
This made me think … ” that you shouldn’t give up”
Now, I wonder … ” How people give up and still make progress”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard a very strong words.”
This made me think … ” This made me think to never give up from what we have”
Now, I wonder … ” now I wonder how she”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she went through many struggles but the people around her, helped her.”
This made me think … ” if it was difficult communicating with the people around her without the device.”
Now, I wonder … ” What she will continue to succeed in later”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” asking for help is good”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I help people”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A strong woman that had a hard childhood but pulled through and wrote a book.”
This made me think … ” To be grateful for everything I have.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she has any other siblings and if her room has lot of medical equipment.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a grid pad”
This made me think … ” That asking for help is good”
Now, I wonder … ” How positive you can be”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How to be kinder to others.”
This made me think … ” How grateful I should be.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard life could be.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” That asking for help is good”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I help people”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How challenging life could be and there is always a bright side and stay positive.”
This made me think … ” How blessed I am and grateful to have my life.”
Now, I wonder … “How my life would be if I was put in her shoes and the challenges I would have gone through.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” That it’s okay to be different”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can make a change in the world”
A Day I Will Always Carry With Me
Before leaving the school that afternoon, I took a moment to sincerely thank Mr. Kelly for inviting me. I truly appreciated the opportunity to return to Christ the King in this new role — not as a student, but as a speaker entrusted with inspiring the next generation. His invitation made this entire afternoon possible, and I was deeply grateful for it.
We said our goodbyes, and as we stepped outside, I took a few photos in front of the school — the place where my journey and love of learning began way back in Ms. Nahirniak’s JK class in 2001.
Walking out of Christ the King today wasn’t just a physical act.
It was symbolic.
It was healing.
It was triumphant.
But above all, the heart of this day was the students.
Being invited to speak to them, to share my story, and to inspire them was the greatest honour of all.
I left with my heart full — grateful for the opportunity, proud of the connection we shared, and deeply moved to return not as a student, but as a speaker, an author, and someone who hopes to inspire others just as I was once inspired.
