Kimme Russell–It will be two years in February that my world was turned upside down. I left a 19-year marriage with four kids in tow. I put my career and educational pursuits on the backburner to support my then husband and raise our children.
Here I was, thirty-seven years old with no clear path forward, just a desperate need to gain financial independence and security for myself and my children. With nowhere to go but up, I immersed myself in books and podcasts about perseverance and resilience. I listened to the deeply heroing stories of my dear friends who came to Canada as refugees. I was fascinated and encouraged with the realization that resilience is not a trait that individuals either have or do not have. Resilience involves behaviours, thoughts and accompanying feelings that can be nurtured, developed, and learned.
I did not want to be a victim to my circumstance, nor did I want to be defined by it. I felt
empowered by the brave examples of others and with the unwavering support of my dear
family and friends, I got back up on my feet and mustered the courage to make an appointment with the advising center at Vancouver Island University.
There, I met with an academic advisor who took the time to learn about my situation and the things I am passionate about. We discussed social justice, education, and my volunteer work with refugees. Together, we created a plan to further my education and re-enter the job market. I was reminded of a quote from Adam Grant in the book he co-wrote titled “Option B,” he says:
“I think about resilience as the speed and strength of your response to adversity. So when you encounter a difficulty, a hardship, a challenge, how quickly and how effectively are you able to marshal strength and either overcome that challenge or persevere in the face of it?”
Adam Grant, “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy” (2017).
I knew there was no time to waste, I immediately enrolled in part-time studies at VIU and
applied to the Bachelor of Education program with the goal of becoming an ESL teacher for
students who are newcomers to Canada. In addition to my studies, I took advantage of the
resources available on campus, including therapy and financial aid. I also sought volunteer
opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of education. Having a clear path forward gave me purpose and hope for my future.
Despite my positive momentum, life at times felt insurmountable. Unsure of how I would afford the cost of groceries, let alone post-secondary education, a dear friend told me about the Beedie Luminaries SPARK program which recognizes the challenges and dreams of single parents who want to further their education. Together, we applied for the scholarship, practiced potential interview questions until the wee hours of the night, and anxiously hoped for the best.
I still remember sitting on the beach, playing in the sand with my youngest daughter when I got the call from Martina Meckova. She thanked me for taking the time to apply and as she continued, I began mentally preparing myself for more bad news. That is, until she said “Congratulations, you have been chosen as one of our SPARK Luminaries!” I couldn’t believe it; my potential had been recognized and one of my biggest dreams had come true.
Through the support of others, I have gradually transformed my perspective and started believing in myself again. I have learned to trust my own abilities and to ask for help when needed. I am not alone. The love, understanding, and guidance provided by my family, friends, and my community has given me the motivation to keep going even when things seem impossible. I push through the difficult times (and there are many!) and celebrate the small victories. I am learning to embrace the journey rather than being fixated on the end result. This has, and continues to be, a process of growth and self-discovery, where I am uncovering my own resilience and inner strength.
“I push through the difficult times (and there are many!) and celebrate the small
Kimme Russell
victories.”
While I still have a long way to go, I am proud of the progress I’ve made and the
resilience I’ve shown. Leaving my marriage was undoubtedly one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was also the catalyst for my personal and professional growth.
As I look ahead to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I am confident in my abilities and know that I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in whatever path I choose. My world may have been turned upside down two years ago, but I am grateful for the opportunity to rebuild it and create a brighter future for myself and my children.
I truly believe that my trials and adversity have made me a more empathetic and understanding individual that in turn has helped me be a better mom, friend, sister, student, and one day soon- a better teacher.
Learn more about the SPARK Program here.
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