What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

When I was in grade 11, my art teacher, Mr. Wilson, saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized: a unique artistic talent. Surrounded by a classroom of gifted students, his encouragement to pursue the arts full-time seemed almost absurd. I was more accustomed to the technical precision of drafting, having already spent two years studying it in Junior high. My goal had been clear: to become an architectural technologist.

But Mr. Wilson’s belief in me was unwavering. He saw something in my work that I couldn’t, a spark of creativity that I hadn’t fully ignited. His encouragement pushed me to explore the arts beyond the confines of my comfort zone. It was a leap of faith, one that I initially hesitated to take. After all, I was comparing myself to the exceptional artists in my class,whose work seemed far beyond my reach.

As a shy and apprehensive first-year high school student, I had already decided on my career path. In British Columbia,Junior high only spanned grades 7 to 10, followed by two years of Senior High. My exposure to the arts during Junior high was limited to basic drafting, which I had found to be a perfect fit for my technical skills. With the guidance of my drafting teacher, Mr. Glanzy, I was determined to pursue a career in architectural technology.

Mr. Wilson’s art class changed everything. He helped me realize that teaching art was a hidden talent I had never considered. It was the best piece of advice I have ever received. His encouragement and mentorship ignited a passion within me that I hadn’t known existed. Not only did I pursue art in College it was here my writing skills took shape.

It’s amazing how life can take unexpected turns. Despite having a clear plan for my future, Mr. Wilson’s belief in me led me down a completely different path. His encouragement helped me discover a hidden passion that I never knew I had.

Bari Marcus Anthony