Flight of the Dandelion Seeds, Lea’s Passion to Purpose Story

Lea is a Silver Award Achiever and a Gold Participant from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her Award was done through Sisler High School. Lea developed a passion for destigmatizing mental health and wants to help create a world where those resources are not only accessible but effective and account for the experiences of those from marginalized communities. 

Getting Started  

“I am currently pursuing a double honours degree in Criminal Justice & Psychology at the University of Winnipeg. I first got involved with the Award through my teacher who suggested it, and I found out about Passion to Purpose (P2P) through social media during university. In both situations, it was the opportunity that found me, not the other way around, but I will be forever thankful that it did.  

“I credit a lot of who I am today due to my participation in the program” 

Personal Development  

The Award taught me how to advocate for myself, allowed me to see for myself what other people kept telling me but was never able to truly believe. It pushed me to my limits and showed me my capabilities not only as a student, but as someone who wants to make the world a better place. Ironically, it was the Award that first pushed me to pursue my passions. P2P is credited with reviving them and reminding me why I do the things I do. 

Passion to Purpose Forum  

The P2P forum came at the best possible moment, I didn’t know it at that point, but it was perfect timing. After months of doing pursuing virtual university learning I knew I needed to get out of the house to do something, anything, and while scrolling through social media, I found P2P.  

This was not my first time travelling, it wasn’t even my first time in Toronto, it was however, my first time travelling alone. Despite this, despite my anxieties, there was this part of me deep down that knew the following days were going to be memorable, and they were. I met people from all over Canada and the United States, people that I likely would never have met had I not come, people who I am still in contact with. I was able to hear from several amazing speakers and each one of them contributed to the creation and completion of the presentation my partner and I gave at the end of the week. What I really loved about P2P was how dedicated it was to ensure that each participant got the most out of the forum as possible. There really was something for everyone.  

“P2P allowed me to gain confidence in myself. It further solidified my love for the world of youth advocacy. In short, P2P not only helped to bring me out of my shell, but it led to the creation of friendships, connections, and memories that I will cherish for years to come. I will forever be thankful for the program and the people that helped bring it to life.” 

My Passion Project: Seeds of a Dandelion 

My partner Kerry and I are both part of the first generation in our family to be born within Canada. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we found many similarities in our upbringings. As we shared experience after experience we took to Google and found a shockingly high number of studies that complemented our own lives. 

Many first gens feel isolated due to their unique dual identity all the while experiencing harmful things like cultural clashing/erasure. It is because of these commonalities that we decided to call our project ‘Seeds of a Dandelion’. Dandelions represent several things ranging from love, strength, and hope: all things the people seeking these resource need. While we were able to find culture specific supports, we found there was a lack of a singular platform in which first gens from all cultural backgrounds could come and find support. So, we decided that what was needed was an online platform that could bridge intracultural appreciation and support through the first-gen experience. After this, it was onto things like budget, and while complicated at first glance, we were given in-depth information and guided as needed. 

This passion project stemmed from our shared frustrations and our desire to help ensure other first gens have a space where their voice is amplified, heard, and validated. What started off as a simple conversation to get to know each other transformed into an idea that could help prevent countless people. It was through human connection that our passion project ‘Seeds of a Dandelion’ was formed. 

Why You Should Participate  

There is something for everyone, whether it is the Award or Passion to Purpose, you will find something that will change you and your life for the better. The things I have taken away from my participation could never have been replicated in a regular classroom, so if you have the opportunity to participate, please give it a chance.”  

• Lea, Passion to Purpose Participant: Summer 2022 

We are so proud of Lea for her accomplishments, we are excited for Lea to make the change she wishes to see in the world! 

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