The journey to the midpoint of my law school career at Osgoode has been far from linear, marked by traumas of both unforeseen violence and childhood trauma that have undoubtedly shaped my perspective.
A random act of violence in 2017 nearly cost me my life, an event that profoundly altered my trajectory and introduced me to living with a disability. This, coupled with adverse childhood experiences, has taught me the gravity of unseen battles many carry silently.
In the context of law school, these personal challenges have magnified the struggles that students with disabilities encounter—struggles I now navigate daily. Mental health resources, for instance, are a glaring concern. The absence of an on-campus psychiatrist signifies a broader issue: prevalent depression and anxiety with inadequate support systems. Such disparities in our educational environment can exacerbate the sense of loneliness and impede the pursuit of wellness.
My personal journey has been a powerful testament to the importance of reaching out. In my darkest hours, I learned the transformative impact of asking for help, which has become a cornerstone of my approach to advocacy. It’s this realization—the power of connection—that fuels my dedication to fostering a community where no one hesitates to seek support.
Deepening the Osgoode community’s understanding of studying with a disability means shedding light on these realities. It means advocating for more than just ramps and elevators; it’s about nurturing a space where mental health isn’t an afterthought, and where the strength required to discuss and deal with substance use is met with support, not stigma.
Through this reflection, I hope to offer insight into the lived experience of disability in the realm of legal education, and to ignite conversations that lead to meaningful support and inclusion. As I continue my academic journey, I carry these insights as a reminder that our advocacy must be as diverse and complex as the experiences we aim to represent.
Together, with empathy and consistent collective support, we can shape a legal community that embraces diversity, ensuring a path forward where every student has the opportunity to flourish.
