I began my fitness journey back in grade 10 with a group of my high school friends. At the time, we weren’t really serious about working out, but we were curious. Our primary focus was on sports like basketball, football, and soccer, but every now and then, we would head to the high school weight room during lunch breaks. We’d experiment with the machines and throw some weights around, more out of curiosity than anything else.
In September of 2017, everything changed for me. I got hit with pneumonia, and I was out for nearly a month. It was a huge wake-up call. I realized how fragile my health could be, and I made the decision that my fitness and well-being had to be non-negotiable from that point forward. It started small—20 to 30 push-ups and sit-ups during study breaks, and sometimes a quick 20-30 minute run after school. As I started to recover, I ramped up my efforts, and before I knew it, I was working out five days a week. I alternated between running for 30-40 minutes and swimming 20-30 laps on non-running days.
Fitness became my way to regain control, and the results soon followed. Teachers, lifeguards, speed swimmers, and even my friends noticed how committed I had become. I was even signed up by the high school track coach to compete in a 3000m race against athletes from other schools. It felt like fitness was starting to take over my life in the best possible way.
When I entered university, my passion for fitness only grew. My parents fully supported my athletic pursuits, and I was able to compete in triathlons and road races around my city. Balancing the intense demands of nursing school with my fitness regimen wasn’t easy, but it became my outlet. The stress of academics would melt away the moment I hit the track, went for a swim, or lifted weights. Endurance sports became my form of freedom, and the gym became my sanctuary.
Now, seven years later, fitness is an inseparable part of who I am. I’ve competed in numerous running races and triathlons, collected medals and race bibs along the way, and built an incredible network of friends in the fitness community—both in-person and virtually. Fitness has transformed me in ways I never imagined. It’s no longer just about physical gains but about mental clarity, emotional release, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from pushing my limits.
Looking forward, I have big goals. My aim is to use the knowledge I’ve gained to help other endurance athletes stay consistent, improve steadily, and remain resilient during setbacks. Coaching athletes to manage their fitness around their busy lives—whether it’s school, work, or personal commitments—is something I’m passionate about. I plan to create individualized programs that consider all aspects of an athlete's life, from training plans and nutrition to mental health and sleep. There’s so much more to performance than just showing up to train—it’s about looking at the entire picture.
Back in grade 10, I couldn’t have imagined how important fitness would become to me, but here I am today, driven by a passion for health, endurance, and growth. My journey has only just begun, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
