Reflecting on this mayoral journey is truly fascinating. For me, everything changed around 2016/2017. I felt an undeniable calling to step up and help our community heal. I still vividly remember the moment it all began—driving home from a family camping trip and scrolling through our community’s Facebook page. A familiar, outspoken resident was in the middle of a heated argument with a new organization in our area. At first, I thought, “Here we go again,” as this individual was well-known for their unfiltered words and controversial posts. But this time, something was different. The photos they shared struck a chord. They clearly showed the heartbreaking reality of what was happening in our community. That night, I couldn’t sleep. The images and their implications weighed heavily on me. By the next day, I knew I needed to take action. I decided to reach out to this resident—not only because they were receiving threats due to their post, but also because I realized how important it was for them to be heard. Unfortunately, much of the focus in the comments was on criticizing their grammar instead of addressing the serious evidence they had provided. I was in disbelief over what I was witnessing in our community. It was painful to see how deeply our inner-city neighborhood was being neglected. Riverside Meadows—before its amalgamation with the City of Red Deer in 1948—was once the proud Village of North Red Deer. But now, it seemed to be bearing the brunt of the city’s indifference. Something needed to change. Someone needed to stand up. Accountability was long overdue. Another key turning point came when I started attending meetings as a concerned citizen. It was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the complexities at play in local governance. I learned how decisions were made, how budgets were allocated, and how certain neighborhoods seemed to consistently fall through the cracks. This wasn’t just about neglect—it was about systemic issues that had taken root over decades. I began asking questions, pushing for transparency, and advocating for Riverside Meadows to receive the attention it deserved. The more involved I became, the more I realized that real change required more than just showing up—it demanded leadership. It became clear to me that in order to rebuild trust and create a better future for our community, someone has to bridge the gap. Standing up requires immense courage, especially when you’re compelled to do it on your own. It’s in those moments of solitude that we discover the strength within ourselves, proving that resilience often emerges from adversity. Believing in yourself is just as crucial as the act of standing up.