Co-Written by Mark Takagi and Meaghen Taylor-Reid
Meaghen and I had coffee last Friday, and she introduced me to Johanna—my new mentor. It was great to connect. Meaghen and I have been meeting for almost two years now, and she’s always been someone I could talk things through with. Once we’ve brainstormed together, I usually feel ready to take the next steps on my own. I’ve appreciated that a lot.
There’s been a lot happening lately. My family just welcomed a new baby—my niece—which has been really exciting. And I recently hit a big milestone: three years working at Milani Plumbing in Burnaby! I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
One of the things I’ve been loving most is volunteering at Repair Cafés. It’s where I feel most connected. The one I go to most is hosted by SPEC—the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation. Volunteers there help fix items that people bring in—things like electronics, bikes, or toys—so they don’t end up in the landfill. I help with receiving, cleaning, and sometimes taking things apart.
“I really love the joy it brings to people when they see their item fixed. It’s so great to be part of something that helps the environment and brings people together. Now I’m even getting invited to Repair Cafés across Vancouver, which is SO GREAT!”
It means a lot to be seen as someone the organizers trust and want to have at their events. I’m learning a lot, and it feels good to be giving back.