Jamie Solomon

When I was 16 years old, I joined up with this fantastic place called the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth. I had left school because I was being bullied because of my sexual orientation; it was a hard time in my life because I couldn’t complete my education. As I got older I’ve realized that through the years SACY has been helping me deal with my struggles and one day I would like to be in their shoes helping out youth, like they did for me.

So when I was 18 years old, I decided to attend Sudbury Secondary Adult Education. A year later I graduated with Honours and my High School Diploma. It was a big struggle for me after being out of school for so long but SACY was there to keep me motivated and give me strength to do it. After school was over, I took a year off to figure out what I wanted to do. Then I just thought well, awhile back I told myself I wanted to be in the staff’s position one day and help youth like they helped me.

So, a year later after I was done High School I decided to go to Everest College for The Addiction Community Service Worker Program. Again, the lovely staff at the centre was there for me throughout the whole college experience and a year after that I graduated with Honours again. So, one day when I went into the centre the boss pulled me into an office and asked me if I wanted to start my own program at SACY, I immediately said YES. So then I started my journey at SACY talking with the youth telling my story and just saying to them life is tough but you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Also, when I was younger I got into a theatre company because I love acting and I’ve been with them for 8 years now. Acting is my passion and what I want to do with my life, besides helping the youth of today out. So, for everyone here is some words of encouragement. Don’t let go of your dreams reach for the stars and you can accomplish anything and reach the dream you want to do and don’t let anyone tell you different.

Great work Jamie, we wish you continued success!