My Story
Storytelling started as a hobby and became a journey of transformation, igniting a mission to nurture self-discovery, connection, community, and change.
Part existential crisis, part leap of faith, I took stand-up and storytelling classes as hobbies. This leap landed me exciting opportunities - performing for sold-out shows, speaking at universities, having my stories and jokes published - but unexpectedly, this leap also landed me in meaningful spaces of impact and community building where I witnessed and experienced real connection being fostered as a key ingredient to sparking positive internal and external change.
The first story I ever told
The first story I ever told was for Stories of Ours, founded by Erin Kang. The event was held in downtown Toronto, one winter evening. I step onto the streetcar, which would take me there, with a giddy hop. I plop down into a single seat by the window, smile encouragingly but discreetly at my reflection, and let out a “here we go, you’re doing it” exhale. But, each stop announced dings at my bravado, notifying me of the shrinking distance to the event. With two stops left to go, I pull out my phone and punch in Erin’s number. My mind zigzags and loop-the-loops between excuses to bail out, reasons I’m inadequate for this, and the anticipated guilt if I cancel. I stare at Erin’s number on my screen, thumb hovering over the green call icon. Ding. A stop announcement. I jolt back into the streetcar from out of my thoughts. I am here.
I stand behind the mic, my heart yo-yoing into my stomach. But I am here. So, I pause, gulp in a breath, and release my story for those here. My insides sputter with electrified nervousness.
Afterwards, I hide self-consciously behind the table of homemade dumplings. People find me anyway (because trays of dumplings attract them, not deter them) and tell me how powerful my story was or about their similar experiences and feelings.
I feel the same about other people’s stories and people who are attending - authentically connected and empowered.
Storytelling had, and continues to have, an indelible impact.