Hello!
Some of you might be wondering what I’ve been up to since the World Championships held in Italy last year. I’m entering a new exciting chapter in my adult life. I dedicated the last 17 years to Taekwon-do and I felt that it was time for me explore other interests. To be honest I have not found anything that has given me the intense passion that Taekwon-do gave me, however I have found many other outlets that have given me great pleasure.
My goal in life is to always grow and to stretch to be the best version of myself that I can be and to help others become their best selves as well. TKD has shaped who I am today, and even though I’m not training right now, the values and lessons follow me in everything that I do.
There is a lot more to me than just Taekwon-do, and I would like to continue to write this blog, about my life experiences.
Every book consists of more than just one chapter!
My 5 Life Updates
University
I am at Carleton University in my 3rd year, doing a bachelor in Commerce, concentrating in Marketing. I’m also seriously thinking of gaining a second concentration in Management which would require an additional year of school.
Back when I was gearing up for the World Championships, not only was training a full-time commitment, but I also spent so much time marketing myself to attract sponsors, I worked on this website and blog, I did huge amounts of fundraising and speaking engagements at schools and different groups promoting my ‘Believe Project’. Creating and selling my own ‘Believe’ clothing and products was a great experience! It was all this hands-on experience that has made me so passionate about marketing and management now. I’m so grateful for all the guidance I was given by my parents growing up. I wouldn’t not have been able to start any of this without them.
I have been marketing all my life without even realizing it. I have to say, I LOVE IT. I want to do something GOOD in the world with my degree and work in a positive environment where people CARE about other people.
Work
I got a new job this summer! I am currently working at Home Depot in a specialty department (Millwork Department). I sell, and design custom doors and windows. I adore my job. I had A LOT to learn and I am still learning so much but I have incredible bosses and mentors to look up to. This job was certainly out of my comfort zone as I had no previous knowledge about Home Depot products let alone doors and windows, but the training at Home Depot is top notch. I’m very proud to work there and I like how I can relate some of my marketing courses to what I’m doing at work. It’s hard sometimes to juggle the heavy school load and working so many hours, but I learned to be very efficient with my time management through all my years of training.
I used to work at McDonalds for 4 years and they were also a generous sponsor for my last 2 World Championships. I left on great term back in August and will be forever grateful to McDonalds Barrhaven, for everything they have done for me.
Friends & Travel
This summer was about being more independent and spending a lot of time travelling and seeing friends in different places. I went to Toronto, Niagara falls, Montreal, Quebec City, and did quite a bit of camping in different parts of Ontario. Whenever I traveled to these places before, it was always to compete so it felt strange at first to just visit them without an agenda.
I am so thankful that I have a handful of the best friends anyone could ever wish for. We all have busy lives but we always make time for each other. Once a week a few of us would go for long hikes in Gatineau Park at 6am! I recommend it to everyone! It was the most refreshing part of my week. It was our time to get exercise, enjoy nature’s beauty, laugh and have amazing conversations.
Trying New Things
I guess you can’t ever take the competitor out of me! I feel a bit lost if I’m not working towards something with a purpose. I must admit, with all the different types of training I’ve done over the years, I’ve never liked running. The only time I liked running was when I was chasing a ball in soccer. I needed to find a new little challenge so I signed up for my first 10km race. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it and it was nice to feel the adrenaline rushing through me.
I also bought a road bike. I like the fact that I can go a lot further on my bike than running lol. I even bought the sexy and extremely flattering bike shorts to match 🙂 I still enjoy going to gym for the pure pleasure of a good workout, but I also really appreciate exercising outside in the fresh air.
Music
It was nice to have the time to explore my interest in music as well. I love going to cafes to listen to live bands. I enjoy listening to all different types of music. One of my definite highlights was going to see Celine Dion in Concert in Montreal. It was a special night that I’ll never forget especially since it was a surprise gift.
Upcoming Events
I was honored to be asked to join MPP Lisa Macleod’s Nepean Riding association as a director at large alongside some incredible people supporting her all the way to the 2018 provincial election and in the 2019 federal campaign. I’m sure I’ll be meeting some interesting people and attending fun events.
I am especially excited for a Conference I am going to this Thursday. It is called the John Molson Sports Marketing Conference and is going to be held in Montreal. It’s Canada’s Largest Student-Run Sports Business Conference. I am attending with other Carleton University students and there will be students from other universities as well! I am really looking forward to hearing the speakers, learning in the workshops, and getting to meet so many incredible people throughout the 3 day conference. I will let you know how it goes!
I Kick Like A Girl
I might not “kick like a girl” in the literal sense anymore, but my rules for kicking like a girl in life, stay the same.
- Push myself outside my comfort zone
- Be kind to others and make a difference
- Surround myself with people who I love and who love me
- Be passionate about the things I am doing (whatever they may be)
- Be myself and be confident in who I am
- Be grateful