Emily Caulton

"One of the main things I've discovered...is not to overthink things...that's not how life is and it's

sometimes easy to get carried away...just let things flow."

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1 May 2017: Emily Caulton shares snippets of her life so far covering what it's like growing up as a twin, dealing with mental health issues as a teen, and growing as a person in university among other things. Even at the ripe, young age of 22, Emily dishes out wisdom and reflection beyond her years. Click 'play' on the YouTube video below to listen to her tell her history and future goals and scroll down for a wee reflection from me on my chat with this lovely human.

Reflections on a Conversation: I've known Emily, or as I call her, "Baby Bird", since Fresher's Week back in September of 2013. Emily has always struck me as endlessly kind, hilarious without knowing it, and wise as hell. Listening to her speak about navigating mental health problems as a teen, medical complications in the past couple years, and her affinity for writing and telling stories is so captivating and inspiring. I am in awe of her poise and articulation and can only hope to try to emulate it myself. More specifically, though, my conversation with Emily highlighted the fact that mental health is still such a difficult topic to talk about, let alone treat, especially with a universal health care system. I've been reminded that it isn't always easy to tell when someone has 'crossed the line' as Emily speaks about and ventures out of 'teenage angst' into a mental health problem. Her willingness to seek help, though, and open herself up to the growth of uni is so incredible. I also love Emily's commitment to others via Label and Cancer Research Society and as a personal friend. She simply "gets" the bigger picture and is so willing and able to help others on that journey too. Even though I am, admittedly, privileged to be her close friend, I still learned so much from our chat and I hope you do too. Feel free to comment with your takeaways!