I first met Michala in the summer of 2018. I was coaching bootcamp workouts for a project entitled The True Nature Project for youth of the Oasis Skateboard Factory alternative secondary school.

My goal was to provide one passionate at-risk youth with complimentary personal training sessions when the project finished. As Michala was exceptionally passionate, I offered the sessions to her.

We began the program with an initial consultation. As I inquired on Michala's health history, she began to speak on her extraordinary past of hardship and prevail -- I was speechless.

Although Michala's story has many aspects of suffering and perseverance, we only had enough time to go over her experiences of homelessness. A few of the topics we cover include:

• How past trauma and depression affected her attitude and behavior
• The experience of being sexually assaulted
• Reconciling a relationship with parents
• How those around her reacted to her testimony of assault
• Endeavoring to find a room in Toronto
• The influence of having toxic roommates
• How the teachers of the Oasis Skateboard Factory aided her 

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