Ending 2024 with a Message of Bravery: Speaking to Carleton University Policy Students
As the year comes to a close, I had the privilege of delivering my final speaking engagement of 2024 at Carleton University, speaking to a class of fourth-year policy students. It was a fitting way to round off a year filled with storytelling, advocacy, and connection. This talk was particularly meaningful because it allowed me to reflect on my evolution as an advocate and share lessons about resilience, bravery, and the transformative power of facing fear head-on.
From Advocacy to Inspiration
When I first began advocating for invisible disabilities and narcolepsy awareness, I never imagined I’d find myself in front of a group of future policy leaders. My journey started with quiet advocacy—sharing my story with friends, family, and small groups. Over time, it has grown into a platform where I’ve been able to influence not just individuals, but organizations, communities, and now, the next generation of policymakers.
At Carleton, I shared the lessons I’ve learned along the way: how fear often masks itself as a roadblock, how resilience is a skill that grows with practice, and how bravery doesn’t mean the absence of fear—it means taking action despite it.
The Role of Fear in Resilience
Fear is universal. For me, fear showed up in the early days of my diagnosis, as I navigated the uncertainty of living with narcolepsy while building a business. But fear didn’t stop there—it lingered as I shared my story for the first time, as I wrote my book, Don’t Snooze Your Dreams, and even as I stepped onto the stage at Carleton.
What I’ve learned, and what I shared with the students, is that fear isn’t a sign to stop—it’s a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and into something meaningful. Resilience grows when you challenge yourself to move forward anyway, one small step at a time.
A Message for Future Policymakers
As these students prepare to graduate and begin their careers in policy, I wanted to leave them with a message of encouragement. The road ahead will require perseverance, bravery, and a steadfast commitment to their dreams. Whether they’re tackling societal challenges, shaping impactful policies, or advocating for change, their path will not always be easy—but it will always be worth it.
I shared examples from my own journey to demonstrate that fear and obstacles aren’t signs of failure—they’re opportunities for growth. From starting a business to becoming an international speaker, every milestone has required me to show up with determination and courage.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the greatest joys of speaking is connecting with audiences on a personal level. At Carleton, I saw a room full of passionate, driven individuals ready to make their mark on the world. It was humbling to know that my stories of resilience, bravery, and the power of dreaming big resonated with them as they prepare to step into their futures.
As I wrapped up my final event of 2024, I felt immense gratitude—for the opportunity to inspire others, for the courage to share my story, and for the chance to see how storytelling can empower the next generation.
To the Carleton students: Thank you for your energy, your questions, and your dreams. I can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll have.
Here’s to 2024—a year of growth, connection, and resilience—and to 2025, where I’ll continue to share my message and empower others to chase their dreams.
If you’re curious about the strategies and stories I shared, you can find them in my book, Don’t Snooze Your Dreams. It’s a guide to overcoming fear, building resilience, and creating a life of impact—one brave step at a time.
