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Being chosen for the 

Live Your Dream Award has impacted my family in a great way. 

 It has lowered the burden and worries about how I could afford to have two of my girls that don't live full time with me able to come over more often.  

I feel secure financially to be able to do fun things with them and to enjoy our time together more without worrying how I can afford it.  

Being able to put some money down early on my OSAP is also a relief. 

 The Live Your Dream award has allowed me to own my story free from shame. When I received the call that I was the recipient I was shocked, humbled, and overjoyed to be apart of something so powerful. 

Being recognized, encouraged, and celebrated for my hard work and dedication is one of the greatest moments in my journey! 

I was able to purchase a new laptop for school, complete Human Service Foundation an Ontario College Certificate program, and apply to University and College programs I had interest in. 

Live Your Dream gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed to keep pushing for a better future for myself and my children. 

The Soroptimist Cambridge came into my life when I was called to give a testimony of my journey. 

I came to Canada as a refugee after fleeing violence and I wanted a better life for my children. I decided to go back to school, I applied for the Live Your Dream award and I qualified. This award presented by the Soroptimist gave me an opportunity to pursue my dream. 

Later, one of my daughters was diagnosed with cancer, the Soroptimist came together to surprise my family with a socially distanced drive-thru, gifts and their presence. That was a wonderful surprise for us, and we are blessed to have the Soroptimist women of Cambridge stand by us during our trying times. This wonderful group sees beyond the presence; they assist women in their journey to a better life. They come together, brainstorm on ways they can lend a hand and make the journey beautiful. I am blessed beyond words for associating with them.

When I applied for this award I thought it would be a great opportunity for me, my family and help me with my education and career goals. I was hoping to find something that could help take some of the financial stress away while I was working towards my diploma.  

Honestly I was shocked and had no idea what to say when I found out that I won! 

I had a rough start. I started my family Young... I married an addict...

I've overcome many many obstacles…and here I am following my dreams.  

I realized… that I'm doing things now for me… not just to raise good humans or to not be a statistic  but because… I am following my dreams. I am in school to work towards a better career for ME. For MY future! For MY family!

Your past does not define your future, 

it just changes your route a little.

I want to Thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to accept this award. I have spent the most part of my life surviving and not knowing how to live... it's funny how one moment, one friend, one opportunity can change that. I am looking forward to updating you on my journey as this is just the beginning of good things!

As one of last year’s winners of the live your dream award, I was very honoured to receive recognition for all my hard work and for overcoming so many obstacles in my life. When I received the phone call that I was chosen as a winner, I was completely overwhelmed and in disbelief. I never sat down and thought out the pages in my life until I put those words on paper. This award helped recognize my own strengths and encouraged me to keep going. It genuinely touched my heart to see how proud my children were of me and that I could set such a good example for them. I would like to give thanks to all the wonderful women that dedicate their time celebrating a woman’s strength and empowerment. The Soroptimist organization is uplifting and supporting in so many ways. I am so proud to have been recognized by such a wonderful organization and I hope that this award continues to help women to pursue their education and live their dreams.

Thank you!.

SIGBI South West Region

Soroptimist International of Westland

Soroptimist International in Germany 

Soroptimist International of Crieff in Scotland

SI Pune Metro East, India