Guy-Anne Corriveau
École secondaire de Saint-Anselme

Ever since she began school, Guy-Anne Corriveau has been used to working twice as hard and even three times as hard as others in order to assimilate the subject matter. Last year, when she was officially diagnosed as having a learning disability, in a way, it took a weight off her shoulders and finally gave her an explanation for her troubles. She had often been the victim of mockery from her fellow students but she no longer takes offence and now knows why she will always have to work harder. “Guy-Anne works in ways that not many other students do. If they worked as hard as she does, there wouldn’t be any students at risk of failing,” agree all the teachers.

The Secondary 3 student at Saint-Anselme high school holds her head high, has a determined look in her eye and shows a will to assert herself. The progress she makes never ceases to impress her friends and family and the people at school. She was a shy and withdrawn young girl upon entering high school but has turned into a dynamic and self-assured student who, thanks to her perseverance and commitment, has become what her teachers call an inspiring and contagious role model.

“When I heard the diagnosis, it was hard but at the same time it helped me understand and even to start to gain confidence in myself,” she reveals as a way of explaining the new way in which she sees her life. “And then the school’s sports and recreation technician invited me to get involved in the Student Parliament and I accepted. I think this helped me to appreciate school more.”

Indeed, ever since Guy-Anne joined the Student Parliament made up of numerous students from all years and for which she assumes the role of secretary, she no longer sees her high school years in the same way. “In the morning, when I think to myself “yet another hard day at school ahead,” I cling to the thought of my Parliament meetings and the activities I am going to help organize or I say to myself that a student may need my help or a sympathetic ear. So I hop into my jeans and I head to school with a smile on my face.”

The cat’s now out of the bag! Guy-Anne’s trick for staying motivated and continuing to persevere is extracurricular activities. Where many would be content to throw themselves into their work and schoolbooks to catch up in math or French – which is already a lot in itself - the 16-year-old teenager combines studying and involvement. In addition to the Student Parliament, where she can improve her French thanks to her role as secretary, Guy-Anne sits on the Opération Enfant Soleil committee that is currently raising funds for the upcoming telethon, is a member of the Pairs aidants committee that helps students experiencing all kinds of difficulties and has been in the Sea Cadets for the past four years.

“Her involvement is truly the key to her success,” insists Mireille Brousseau, counsellor in spiritual life and community involvement. “This is how she has gained her self-confidence and the motivation to carry on and attain her goal, which for the moment is to finish high school. She has more faith in herself than ever and so do the entire school staff.”

The young student now dreams of one day becoming a photographer or working in the field of health and she clearly recalls a not so distant past when she preferred not to speak out in class for fear of being ridiculed or, worse still, of simply not being listened to. Today, her perseverance has paid off. She can now express herself more easily in front of the whole class and even with a passion about the activities of her various committees. Yet more importantly, she finally feels as though people are listening to her and that her ideas and suggestions are gaining ground.

“I have good friends at school now, and when I don’t understand something, I don’t mind asking for help. With everything I’ve been through, I say to myself that whatever happens to us, we must never give up. There is always a treasure hidden somewhere that awaits us. It is through perseverance that we can succeed in finding it and always make progress,” she points out, as a way of sending a message of hope to all those who sometimes feel like dropping everything.

Guy-Anne Corriveau
École secondaire de Saint-Anselme