Everyone Has a Story

On Wednesday February 12^th, 2020, our community had the privilege to hear a touching story from one our very own, Ms. Jennifer Nantel. This was another installment in the Selwyn House Our House speaker series, where various members from the staff come up to tell their stories. Ms. Nantel told us her story. The talk was filled with trauma, sadness, and in the end, triumph. It is one that left a profound impact on the audience, and gave students something to think about.

A young girl, left to fend for herself in this cold world that we live in, she had to struggle to find peace within herself. Her biological father abandoned her and her family at the age of four, and it left that young girl with sentiments of emptiness and sorrow. Powerless, not knowing what to think, the future was unknown. Her mother, suffering from that same loss and pain, got into a relationship with a man who did not properly fill the fatherly role that he should have. During her talk, Ms. Nantel described her fear to cope with her step father’s abusive behaviour, and the struggles she experienced trying to please him. It was a constant struggle, and not a burden that anybody should have to carry. Her mother, shackled by the pressure she was forced to endure during this time, found no way to escape.

With limited people to support her, no one to turn to, feeling unempowered these were dark times. Ms. Nantel recounted all those days at school that she phoned home to mom, asked if she was loved, in an effort to fill a hole left in her heart.

The solution was the army. No stranger to following orders, and operating under duress, it was a perfect fit, and an even better way to break free from the bondage of her unfortunate upbringing.

What we heard was not all gloom and sadness. Ms. Nantel’s triumph in overcoming these obstacles that shaped her into the wonderful woman she is today was inspiring. Each individual is different, and we all have a different story. Her message was to just keep pushing, despite the adversity. As young men and future fathers, her plea to us was to use our power for good, and have a positive impact on the world we are soon setting out to.

I Asked her what she would like everyone to take from her impactful story, Ms. Nantel is specific: “Everyone has a story despite their flaws. Their stories have affected them in a certain way, and we should refrain from judging them. Step back for a minute, don’t judge and try to understand what may be affecting them in their personal life. Approach people with compassion and understanding. We all have demons, we have all been hurt, to varying degrees. If you don’t address them and face them, you will carry them in your life. You will end up living your life with these wounds, and will have these glasses that can shape your view on the world negatively. Facing these burdens has helped me overcome more obstacles.”.