Carol
“Enjoy life. Experience things - don’t always worry about what others think.”
Carol is a hard worker with a strong sense of adventure and a deep care for others. When she’s not treating and supporting patients as a nurse, she’s carrying out her dreams and travelling the world as a flight attendant. She is a strong advocate for taking a leap and never giving up on your ambitions. Meet Carol. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
C: My name is Carol McKeown. I was born and rasied in Montreal, Quebec. I now live in Horseshoe Valley - just 1 hour north of Toronto.
I graduated from school as a nurse and worked as an RN full time for 1 year. I continued working part-time as a nurse and at the same time pursued my dream to fly and become a flight attendant for Air Canada. It’s been 37 years at Air Canada and at the same time part-time nursing.
I am married 27 years and have 2 girls - aged 21 and 24.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
C: Personable, quiet, thoughtful and caring. Love to help others.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
C: I feel I am a good listener. I try to take time and be there for others. I’ll always give 100% and do my best.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that had defined you or made you stronger?
C: Well over my 58 years I can think of many experiences where I learned valuable lessons. That being said, probably leaving home for the first time at 22 and moving to a new city and new job was probably the most challenging.
Working shift work, meeting new people and navigating a new job and city was exciting but also overwhelming at times. Sure made me miss home and miss friends and family. I knew though that I was pursuing a dream which I’d worked hard for so there was no giving up!
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
C: Enjoy life. Experience things - don’t always worry about what others think. The people who judge you are probably not true friends. Friends will support and encourage. Try new things - be adventurous! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
Be confident in who you are! Laugh, love, let tears flow - be you and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
C: Women are strong, compassionate but yet still have emotions and are not afraid to show them. We have wonderful friendships and bonds which can be so special. We can do anything we put our mind to and we are always there to support and encourage each other. We are strength.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
C: So many woman are inspiring but my mother has always isnpired me. She is hard working, very giving, selfless, always thinking of others. At 90, she would still do anything she can to help us as a family. She is there