It’s Never Too Late to Fulfill Your Dreams
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of earning my Grade 12 diploma.
“I’ve always wanted to finish high school,” I tell people now, still amazed that I finally did it. “But life kept getting in the way. I had to survive.”
When I was 15 years old, my parents asked me to leave home. I didn’t have anywhere to go, so I moved around a lot. I stayed with friends, boyfriends, anyone who would let me in.
I worked six or seven days a week, even on weekends, just to make ends meet. I cleaned offices after school, worked in malls, did whatever jobs I could find. It was exhausting, but I had no choice.
At 18, I got a job with the federal government. For the first time, I felt like I had stability. But life took another turn, and over the years, I faced many ups and downs, including loss, instability, and a long battle with my mental health. It took doctors twelve years to find the right medication for me. Those were very hard years, but I never gave up.
Even through all that, I kept trying to go back to school. I reached up to Grade 11 but was never able to complete my diploma. Then, I found out about St. Nicholas Adult High School. That’s when everything started to change.
I enrolled in a computer course first because I wanted to learn more about technology. My teacher noticed how determined I was and surprised me with a donated laptop. She told me, “I am giving you this because I know you’ll make good use of it.” And she was right. I used that laptop to complete my courses. One of my best subjects was Geography, “I love learning about countries and cultures”.
Two years later, at 65 years old, I finally achieved the dream I had carried for decades.
Halfway through my studies, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That slowed me down, but it didn’t stop me. I took a break to focus on getting better, and when I recovered, I went right back to my schoolwork.
Cornerstone Housing for Women has given me stability through difficult times. My first home at Cornerstone was at MacLaren when I had no place to stay 30 years ago. I was very scared at first. I wasn’t sure if I would like it there, but it was a good place for me.
I feel Peace
Now, when I sit in my cozy room, I feel peace. For the first time in my life, I feel truly at home. This is the best place I have ever lived. I enjoy the cultural programmes, the arts and craft, and the Bingo games. “This is my home now,” I can say that proudly. “After everything I’ve been through, I finally feel safe and proud of myself.”
I lived at Cornerstone’s residence on Princeton Avenue during my studies. This place has given me so much stability. I can go to my room when I need quiet, but I can also come out to talk to friends or join activities like arts and crafts or bingo. It truly feels like home.
I feel at home
Living at Cornerstone’s Princeton residence has meant so much to me. The staff here are kind, compassionate, and always willing to help. They’ve supported me with everything—from fixing my laptop to helping me find a personal support worker. Most of all, they’ve made sure I never felt alone.
My Graduation
When I walked across the stage, I saw my sister, my friends from Cornerstone, and my teachers all cheering for me. I couldn’t believe it when they called my name for the Perseverance Award. I didn’t even know I was getting it! My sister was screaming and clapping—it was one of the happiest moments of my life. If I could share one message with others, it would be this:
You can still fulfill your dreams no matter what age you are. I finished high school at 65 years old. If I can do it, anyone can.
“It’s never too late to fulfill your dreams. I finished high school at 65. If I can do it, anyone can.”
