Nyla Sproule: “I’m Still Growing Up, and That’s Totally OK”
As a child, the question was relentless: “What do you want to be when you grow up?“
Over the years I had various dreams of my profession, from a ballerina to a rock climber to a veterinarian.
Now, at 20 years old, I am in my third year of Social Work at the University of Victoria. My dreams, no matter how silly they once were, are now shaped by my aspiration to care for children, families, and communities with humility, compassion, and love. Despite knowing my passions and being on the right pathway in school, I still wouldn’t be able to tell you what I want to be when I grow up.
I can, however, tell you who I am and the person I hope to be.
I am writing this article for my future self, and anyone who needs a reminder that people and experiences shape a person as a whole. I hope to look back on this as a reminder of the community I have surrounded myself with. For those who are reading, I hope to inspire others to take those chances, to get to know their communities, and to walk alongside those in their lives with empathy, honesty, and truth.
Volunteering has been my outlet to create the community and connection that I didn’t have the opportunity to fully experience when growing up. Through giving my time and effort to various organizations doing incredible work, I have in turn had the chance to act on my passions and to listen to, learn from, and grow alongside others.
In the remainder of this article, I want to not only highlight a few of the organizations I work alongside, but recognize the reciprocal, caring, and loving relationships I have created over the years.
First, working at Parry Place with Beacon Community Services has been one of the most impactful parts of my journey. I support residents who are navigating dementia, Alzheimer’s, and brain injuries. Through this I have learned the importance of patience, active listening, and compassion. It has shown me that every person has a story shaped by their experiences, and that everyone deserves to be listened to, believed, and treated with dignity and respect.
One resident in particular, Margaret James, who is 104 years old, has deeply shaped how I show up in both a personal and professional way. She reminds me to “be true to you and remember to always laugh.” I carry her wise words with me, especially in difficult moments as I balance school, work, and volunteering. Building a relationship with her over the past two years has taught me more than I can say in this brief article. She constantly reminds me to lead with authenticity and to find joy even in the smallest things.
Next, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Anawim House, where I welcome and support individuals who are unhoused or recovering from substance misuse, as well as anyone who needs access to basic hygiene products. The community I have been surrounded by has taught me the importance of being non-judgmental and creating a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. It has shown me that sometimes the most meaningful way to help others is simply by being present and offering kindness.
Lastly, I have had the chance to be a mentor with the BeaYOUtiful Foundation. This important organization is a Caada-wide, women-led nonprofit organization. In this role, I work with young people aged 8–14 who identify as female to help build confidence, self-worth, and a sense of belonging. Being a mentor has reminded me how important it is for youth to feel seen, heard, and supported. It has also shown me the power of connection and how acts of unconditional love, gentleness, and encouragement can have a lasting impact.
A lot of my inspiration comes from the people in my life, especially my mom. She has always encouraged me to lead with curiosity and self-reflection, and to always follow my heart. Watching her navigate challenges while still doing everything she could to support our family showed me what strength, resilience, and care really look like. She taught me that helping others can be found in everyday actions. Alongside the volunteering and community work, she has always been there. It reminds me of the importance of showing up in a good way. It often begins with taking care of myself by surrounding myself with those who love me – like my family, friends, and the Beedie Luminary community. Showing up in a good way also means making time for self-care and love, and treating myself with the same kindness I show others.
“Be true to you and remember to always laugh.”
Margaret James
For me, the purpose of walking alongside others in a personal and professional way is about connection. When we show up for one another, we create communities where people feel like they belong, feel loved, and feel cared about. I don’t think there can ever be enough of that, but I do think growth is lifelong, and it’s important to constantly lead with an open mind, body, and heart — actively listening, believing, self-reflecting, and embodying kindness in our everyday lives.
At the end of the day, I am still navigating what I want to be when I grow up, and that can be difficult. But what I do know is that I want to stay true to who I am by continuing to show up, to laugh, to learn, and to walk alongside others.
And for now, that feels like enough.
