Olivia Ives

"Left foot, right foot. That whether it is something good or bad happening that you breathe through it...There is so much happening outside of your control that spending your whole life reactive isn't healthy but just left foot, right foot. This too shall pass and in retrospect it will be hilarious."

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3 May 2017: Fearless, involved, and extraordinarily capable and skilled, Olivia Ives talks being a big sister to two younger brothers, negotiating her way through cruelty in school, and feeling invigorated by helping others navigate the world. Her quick wit and silliness will have you laughing while her intelligence and composure will speak to your core. Press 'play' on the YouTube video below to learn more about the lovely Olivia Ives.

Reflection on my Conversation: Let me first say, I love hearing Olivia speak. She has a way with words and articulation that just enchants you and makes you so envious of her vocabulary and general proficiency with the English language. I instantly regret not reading many of my assigned texts at school when I speak with her and absorb her speech. But beyond that Olivia has such an astute grasp on the world. She has a way of seeing that is so wise and thoughtful. Be it her reflections on a tough middle school experience, or being misunderstood as a Jewish teen at a Catholic high school, she gives people the benefit of the doubt and learns from each and every situation. I thank her for her honesty and her commitment to helping those whose voices have been distorted by our society gain the correct and deserved attention that we should have afforded them all along. What was your favourite part of her talk? Besides all the incredibly inspirational chat, I think mine is "brain reasons" (see the end of the video for the reference).