When I’m not trying out a new hobby or buying more books than I need, I spend a lot of time thinking about the ways we take care of ourselves and each other. From my time as a nursing student to now studying Information Design, I’ve always found myself drawn toward conversations around mental health and well-being.
Over the next academic year, I’ll be conducting my honours thesis at Mount Royal University. A lot of this research stems from hearing students share their experience with burnout and shame, and how difficult it can be to ask for help even when support technically exists. The more time I spent in post-secondary, the more I noticed how normalized it is for students to struggle quietly. Through my thesis, I will explore how mental health support can be more relevant and better integrated into everyday academic experiences.
Outside of academia, my life is filled with art, music, and funny little anecdotes.
I once got called "Maurice Olé."
Growing up between Quebec and Alberta, and studying in nearly a dozen different schools, meant constantly adapting to new communities and new ways of communicating, understanding, and belonging.
Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how deeply my bilingual identity has shaped me. I graduated in both French and English, and eventually learned to embrace my Francophone name after years of shortening it to make pronunciation easier for others.
Graduating from Secondaire 5 (left) and Grade 12 (right). Pictures taken alongside my parents.
Art and creativity have always been a huge part of my life.
Much of my upbringing was also spent in theatre and the arts. From the age of five to seventeen, I spent my time engaging with various creative outlets and surrounded by creative communities that encouraged expression, experimentation, and authenticity. Looking back, these environments played a significant role in shaping my sense of self and self-confidence. As someone navigating a queer identity, the arts often gave me a sense of community and understanding that I carried with me long after leaving the stage.
As an adult, I continue to gravitate toward creative practices to strengthen my self-expression. I’ve always loved fashion (definitely looked up to the Bratz), but recently, I’ve been trying to become more confident with sewing and upcycling clothing, especially to create unique, unconventional pieces. I love the idea of giving old clothing a second life, while also becoming more intentional about sustainability.
"Who Will Buy?" from Oliver!
Dance Number
Velma in Chicago
Charlotte in Oliver!
From classical ballet performances to campy drag shows, I love it all!
I'm a bookworm!
I especially love reading stories that explore themes of identity and belonging. Last fall, The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan resonated with me deeply, and this summer I hope to spend more time reading works such as Circe by Madeline Miller, Alchemised by SenLinYu, and Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan.