Amanda
“Today, being a woman means you can be: strong, smart, confident, connected, empowered, independent, adaptive, sensitive, beautiful and anything else you want to be.”
Amanda has a vibrant energy and an infectious laugh. She lights up any room she walks into. She has a way of making everyone around her comfortable, even if they’ve only just met. She cares deeply for others, and is always ready to listen with a glass of wine and open mind. She is a loyal friend and a passionate teacher who is always willing to learn. Meet Amanda. This is her story.
Amanda, soaking up the sunshine on her travels (her happy place)
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
A: Oooo this is tough. I feel like we are so trained to act a particular way that when we have to admit who we actually are, it can be so scary! I would describe myself as an empathic person. I think that it is one of my greatest strengths - but also one of my biggest downfalls, too.
I constantly consider the feelings of others and try my best to assist people with whatever I can, but sometimes (more than sometimes, maybe?) I put their feelings, needs or wants before my own. I would also describe myself as a sensitive person. Not the type of sensitive that cries at movies, or when I hear an upsetting story on the news (although I do feel sadness/happiness towards them), but the type that gets upset when my feelings get too big for myself.
I also love to travel. I don't know if that describes my personality, but it is a (expensive) hobby of mine. I call myself a lifelong learner, and I think we learn the most from our experiences. I try to get as many as I can - bonus points if I get to do it with the people I love. Lastly, I would describe myself as a kind, happy, funny (at least I hope) and a friendly person. Also, wine.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
A: Hmm...I think my favourite thing about myself is that I can make myself, and I hope others, feel comfortable in situations. I don't have too many situations that I have felt are awkward or uncomfortable. I find that when I am with people, it is easy to have a conversation and make that space feel more at ease. I try to lighten the mood with my humour and openness (some might say too open). I can't speak for everyone, and maybe people still find it awkward or uncomfortable to be around me, but I hope that my company is a comfortable place.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
A: I don't think I have just one experience that defines me or made me stronger. I am a firm believer that it is a combination of experiences who makes up who you are. Some might have experiences that are more prominent or have played a bigger role, but I don't think I have that one big experience, but I think it is more of a goal of mine that has helped shape me and helped me remain strong.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I have used that as motivation to get me through school, help me decide what jobs I should have (leading up to my career) and helped me through all the jobs that I did not get. There were many sleepless nights in school caused by procrastination, assignment overload, work and trying to balance a social life, but what got me through those experiences, was knowing that I was doing all of that so that I could one day become a teacher. There were also contracts that I have applied for in the teaching field that I sadly did not get. It was hard to accept that, but again, knowing that one day I would get the class, I have been able to grow from those experiences. As I said, I don't think I had one experience that has defined me, but my goal of being a teacher has influenced who I am and helped make me stronger!
P: What is one piece of advice you'd give to your younger self?
A: One piece of advice...hmm...if I was giving advice to my younger self, as cheesy or stereotypical it sounds, it would be to not care what others think! This is the message in so many movies, shows, cliches, but it is so true. It was when I started to not care about the opinions and thoughts of people who are not close to me that I started to feel more sure and confident in myself. I started to feel happier. This is something that I am still working on, and I think I always will, but I wish that my younger self could feel the confidence that I feel today.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: Being a woman means so many things and what it means has changed over time and differs person to person. Today, being a woman means you can be: strong, smart, confident, connected, empowered, independent, adaptive, sensitive, beautiful and anything else you want to be.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she was here now?
A: My Oma - she has always inspired me. My Oma was a kind and caring woman. She lived and survived the war, she raised amazing children, immigrated to Canada with her husband and children, fought and survived breast cancer to only have it come back when she was the most vulnerable. I will always remember the way she cut my crusts off my bread when I would have lunch with her because she knew I didn't like them, how she would always drop everything the moment someone called her name to help them and how much love she gave to everyone around her. My Oma was a superstar. If she were here today, I think I would tell her how much I appreciated her, how much she taught me, how despite her not being here, I think about her everyday. I would tell her I am thankful for our time together and I miss her. I love you, Oma.
