A phone number changed my life. Ten numbers dialed delivered a message that altered my course, more importantly it directed me to who I was too become in this journey we call life. It was a reconnection with the magic of life that surrounds me if I listen closely.
A year earlier I had withdrawn from my studies as a student at Rhodes Wellness College. The months had passed and my path had been a series of hits and misses. My one success had been creating the time to write my memoir, yet that was drawing to an end. Although I had completed the manuscript, it was to be shelved and put away for further creative inspiration down the road. A void of empty space was lurking, actually it was leering and its impending arrival was trying to find its way sooner than planned.
It amazes me how writing ones life into a book breaks through the inhibitions of hiding where one has been. Or perhaps it was just time. The number I called that day was for PEERS, a local organization that assists those presently or who have been involved in the sex trade. Towards the end of my addiction over five years ago I briefly entered in to prostitution. Although it was short lived, the impact it had on me is something I still am learning to come to terms with to this day. More importantly I was recognizing my experiences couldn’t be healed in silence and on my own. Yet I was also aware it takes a special person to honor the truth of one’s story. This is where I would come to meet Bonnie Taylor.
Bonnie answered the phone that day and we spoke briefly. I booked an appointment to see her the following day. Nervous, yet calmed by her presence I was given the space to talk freely and was met without judgment. While conversing I would learn that Bonnie was a graduate from Rhodes. Seeing the amazing remarkable woman she was and the impact she was having on providing help for those involved with the sex trade was inspiring. With her encouragement I called Rhodes to enquire about returning. I decided to come back home and was welcomed with open arms.
When I decided I wanted to write an article profiling Rhodes graduates its conception materialized from meeting graduates like Bonnie Taylor. She is the embodiment of what Rhodes Wellness College is really all about. Healing oneself creates the awesome opportunity to give back and change lives while living your dream.
The Interview
Q: What year and program did you graduate from Rhodes?
A: I graduated from Rhodes in 2005 with a Life Skills instructor Diploma.
Q: How did you come to be a student at Rhodes Wellness College?
A: I needed an education that offered me long term sustainable employment. After completing an employment program offered through the government, I was able to see that this route would match my personality and values, and that it also was a growing field.
Q: Upon graduation you volunteered in Cambodia at the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Centre, can you share a little more about that experience and how you’re training at Rhodes helped you?
A: I have always had a love for travel to Asian Countries, and I thought that combining travel (which I was in need of, and a vacation to reward myself for graduating) with volunteering would look good on my resume. As well, show that upon graduation I was eager to get out and make use of my new found skills and knowledge.
Q: Currently you work at the non-profit organization PEERS, what is the purpose of PEERS and the difference it is making in our community?
A: PEERS is an organization who serves current and former sex trade workers, and women who have been marginalized. We offer a 6 month program called Elements. This is an exciting program that combines Life Skills and Employability classes. It makes a difference in the participants lives as it let’s them look within themselves and become conscious of their incompetence. From there they are able to learn new skills that build their self esteem and empower themselves to make healthy choices in moving forward.
Q: Specifically at PEERS your position is as the Elements Program Coordinator. What are the responsibilities of your position?
A: I first do an intake to see if the individual is fit to be in the program. Then I set up a personal goal plan. I facilitate the life skills, art therapy and employability classes. I also provide direction to the appropriate support systems within our organization and community for added support.
Q: As a Rhodes graduate what would you say you took away from the Rhodes learning experience that has changed your life?
A: The greatest learning experience was about my own insight into my behaviours and how I was unconsciously incompetent in some parts of my life. With that knowledge I was able to learn new behaviours and ways of being in the world which have led to a more emotionally balanced life.
Q: What advice would you have for current Rhodes students?
A: Take good care of yourself, for when you are doing such life transforming work, looking within it can be painful and dark. Until you start working on your own stuff and healing, you are not able to help others to do the same. The path ahead is truly rewarding.
Q: Last but not least, if you were a colour, what colour would you be? and why?
A: I would be purple, for purple represents passion to me. It is a combination of red and blue. Red is life and blue is spirituality (Higher purpose)
- Article and interview by Violet-Rose Pharoah |
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt