Andrea
“We must teach all woman to build each other up and to omit labels that were created by unrealistic societal norms. Being a woman comes from the soul that is constantly flourishing and ever changing to what a woman wants to be in that specific moment.”
Andrea is fun-loving, spirited and outgoing. She is always smiling. In her new career as an interior designer, she is passionately creative, enthusiastic and driven. She is someone who thrives when she’s surrounded by others. But the COVID-19 pandemic has also taught her the importance of listening in and slowing down. It also taught her to measure success through wellbeing rather than status. Now, more than ever, Andrea appreciates the little things, and embraces the silence; she navigates life with gratitude, and with eyes and arms wide open. Meet Andrea. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
A: Hi to those who are reading this right now! My name is Andrea and I am an aspiring interior designer, an animal loving perfectionist who values all types of art forms and doesn’t take life too seriously. I am an ambivert, who cranks her music way too loud while she’s driving. The ultimate foodie, who’d rather eat a Big Mac from MacDonald’s than a piece of cake, kind of gal. I’m your average 26-year-old woman trying my best to figure out who I am, and how I want to live my life. Seeing that I have been enrolled in multiple post-secondary programs for half of my twenties, I am thrilled to have completed my Bachelors of Interior Design undergraduate for about a year ago now. I can finally begin crossing off major lines on my bucket list.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
A: The first thing that came to mind is that I believe I can get along with a variety of different people and personalities. I love how in most situations that I encounter I try my best to put myself in other people’s shoes. I bring this quality with me in all areas of my life, from friendships and family, to working with my clients and encounters with the public.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
A: I wish I had a super cool and inspiring life changing story but to be honest I don't have one. I have lived most of my life in the safe zone.
With that being said, the first life changing story that came to mind was - living through this recent pandemic in Ontario, Canada. Forgive me for getting too deep on you but it has forced us all to slow down and reflect on what is important in life.
The summer of 2020 has given me the opportunity to sit with myself and listen to my thoughts for months on end which was something I have never really practiced before. I realized how grateful I am for what I currently have in life. I have always put pressure on myself for demanding success in my field of study. After this pandemic, I have grown to realize that success is not everything in life. Making memories with those who lift me up and to always accompany jobs or projects that bring me joy instead of stress.
During this time of being unemployed or as I like to call it “early retirement” for close to a year, has guided me to new and old forgotten hobbies that I still practice to this day. With this experience, I will never take anything for granted and remember to appreciate the seasons changing, the people closest to me and toilet paper LOL.
I now work in a profession in my field of study that currently brings me happiness and challenges me every day, with a team of like-minded designers. I am now more than ever grateful to spend my free time with my best friends and family. While always respecting the terrible loss that 2020 has brought to the world, I believe it is important to seek the positive and/or solution for every perfectly imperfect event that will arise in the future.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
A: Advice that I would tell my younger self is, to read as many self-help books as possible and practice what they teach you every day. No one in this world has it all figured out. All you can do is try your best and failing is a part of the process to success in all parts of your life. You should always trust your gut feeling; it is always right.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: For as long as woman have existed, woman have been taught to act the way our society has somehow decided for us. I believe being a woman is not perfection, it is much more than this. We must teach all woman to build each other up and to omit labels that were created by unrealistic societal norms. Being a woman comes from the soul that is constantly flourishing and ever changing to what a woman wants to be in that specific moment.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now
A: The first woman that came to mind was my mother. For as long as I can remember my mum has always been someone I looked up too. I admire how she raised my brother and I, and how much of an amazing wife she is to my dad. My mum has given up so much for all of us, and is always putting us three first before herself. She is someone who is never apologetic for who she is and what her beliefs are.
If my mum was here right now, which she is (she’s sitting right in front of me while I write this) - I would say: “I know I don't say this often but you’re my first ever best friend and I appreciate you more than anything! I have the most unconditional love for you. You are someone I can always trust and can always count no matter what. I take your advice and your teachings with me everywhere I go. You must be reminded to do more for yourself – you truly do deserve it. Please never ever change. Let’s go grab a glass of wine, sit in the backyard and talk about how cute our family cat “Coco” is.”