In July of 2004, I was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Having just turned 16, and wondering if my dream of a university athletics scholarship would come true, I was instead faced with the fight of my life. I spent weeks at a time in hospital, and underwent treatment that included chemotherapy and radiation. In terms of everyday life, I learned that a ‘bad hair-day’ is nothing compared to a ‘no hair-day’.

The most important lesson I have learned from cancer is that nothing in life is certain. One day everything could be going well, and the next day life can throw you a curve ball. Cancer is a great teacher – the best I’ve had. Without it I would not have the caring and understanding that has become such an important part of my life.

Through my participation in many volunteer activities, I have learned that active citizenship gives you the opportunity to help shape your community. It gives you the chance to inspire others to focus a little less on themselves and a lot more on their community, nation and world. My goal for the future is to become a teacher and inspire the children of today to be the best they can be for our world tomorrow.