Letter: Attending University Across the Province Makes Me Thankful for Owen Sound

Abigail Vokes shares her perspective and experience as a young adult moving away again for school after a summer working near home.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Coming back to Owen Sound never fails to show me how lucky I am to not only experience a place like it but to be able to live in it.

Many of my friends say, “I cannot wait to get out of this town.” Before leaving for university, I agreed with them. I, too, could not wait to explore several other cities across Ontario.

During high school, Owen Sound was considered a small town where you knew everyone. I wanted to get out and experience new things and meet new people. Unfortunately, you never really understand how amazing something is until you leave it.

From September to May, I live in Kingston and attend school. Kingston is dirty, loud, and super busy. It’s beautiful, but busy with traffic and people. Don’t get me wrong, every city has pros and cons, but I’m not afraid to run on my street when I'm at home here. In Kingston, I can’t do that.

Returning to Owen Sound has shown me again how quiet and peaceful it really is. This is a place where I can hike, swim, and get away from noise. A lot of people take these things for granted, and moving across Ontario has shown me how grateful I am to call Owen Sound home. 

The only downside to returning to a smaller town is finding a place to work. Smaller populations mean fewer jobs and more competition. This summer, I was fortunate to be hired by Michele Reynolds, founder of Cedar Cottage Counselling, to continue my passion for psychology.

As a third-year Queen’s University student interested in pursuing the psychology field, it’s difficult to land student jobs that allow you to work in a work environment that offers the one-on-one experience of interacting with clients and clinicians.

Cedar Cottage Counselling provides compassionate therapy services to support community members’ mental health and well-being online and in person. Here, I’ve found a team dedicated to creating a safe and caring environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and accomplish your personal goals. 

Our team consists of licensed professionals who specialize in a variety of therapeutic approaches. As Michele’s personal assistant, I can work with clinicians, ask questions, collaborate on services, and welcome clients into our office. Stephanie, a dual diagnosis specialist with over 20 years of professional disability experience, works with people experiencing anxiety and depression. 

Amelia, who has experience working with addictions, anxiety, and depression, welcomes people searching for an empathetic counsellor. Tayra, who is beyond supportive has experience in grief, gender, and adjustment-related issues. Melissa, our virtual expert, has great flexibility and a passion for working with people experiencing symptoms related to psychosis and mood disorders. 

Finally, our clinic owner, Michele Reynolds, who has over 20 years of professional mental health and addiction experience, also has trauma-informed practice including advanced training in EMDR techniques for patients experiencing a variety of life stressors. Check out their website to learn more about their services.

I’m happy to say that everyone at Cedar Cottage Counselling welcomed me with open arms and provided loads of support throughout the summer. They made my workplace feel like home. As Michele’s assistant, I’ve had the opportunity to start working with clinicians to offer creative groups such as bullet journals, expressive arts, drop-in times, and more.

I sometimes regret choosing a school so far away from home. At the same time, I’m happy I could experience it, as it has made me realize where I want to return when it’s time to settle down.

Sincerely,

Abigail Vokes

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Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.