I finished working at CAMH, and went to Hamilton to start being a rep for Welcome Week. I felt so much better when I was doing this. I enjoyed helping the first years and felt supported and included. It boosted my mood so much, and I was grateful to be a Science rep for the last time. Soon school started, and I was eager to be taking four courses instead of five. I also loved living with my new roommates. They were fun, kind and awesome to be around. Just being with them improved my mood. Things turned around very quickly for me. I was able to lower the dose of my medication, and became obsessed with Tinder and Hinge again. I had the opportunity to observe group CBT for insomnia for my thesis, which I thought was extremely cool. I enjoyed my lighter course load and was able to volunteer and be a tour guide. As a shot in the dark I applied to medical school at uOttawa, but knew that otherwise I would want to work after graduating. I felt like I needed a break from academics.
One of my best memories is writing a midterm on a Saturday morning, then driving with my friends to Queen’s to celebrate homecoming. I surprised my sister and got to see Beatrice! I then came home the following day.
Fourth year was one of my best years at university. I was still stressed about school, but less than previously. My mood was a lot better, and I was able to eat better and exercise normally. My body image improved. I had fun going on random dates, and partying with Brianne (she was newly single). I had more confidence and enjoyed life more. I was grateful that my ex-boyfriend was doing his co-op in Ottawa, so I didn’t have to worry about running into him. For the first time in a long time I was truly enjoying life. I’d also made a new friend from being a Science rep. Her name is Sonya, and she also happened to be doing her thesis at St. Joseph’s West 5th. She was extremely nice and we had classes together, so we immediately clicked.
A Mind Warrior 