“I am a resilient person, and I never gave up!” The resilience of Kadeem Reid

BY GLORIA O’KOYE

I met the young and energetic individual, Kadeem Reid, recently at a talent show that was run by these two amazing youths, Rare and Earl, at the House of Moses venue at 168 Baldwin Street, located in the heart of Kensington Market.

It was late afternoon when I got to the showcase and was fortunate to be able to listen to Kadeem share a bit about himself. What stood out about Kadeem was how he was hyping and encouraging every single performer by cheering and dancing, and also that he had the qualities of being a motivational speaker by just hearing him speak.

I was able to connect with him afterward and wanted to know more about his life journey and his fitness program. I believe that the things we go through are for a reason, and will contribute to a greater cause, either it was a positive experience, or a painful lesson. We have to learn to move forward. I also want the youth, and anyone who has or is still dealing with similar life experiences as Kadeem, to know there is more to life. Dreams and goals can be accomplished. Do not allow circumstances to discourage anyone to make the most out of life. Life is too precious and goes by so fast for any one of us to linger on situations, or decisions that we had made.

I could not miss an opportunity to speak with this young man, so as soon as I had a chance, I caught up with Kadeem, and he graciously took time to share with me some of his experiences.

“I grew up in a very tough neighbourhood, the Rexdale community, and growing up in that environment I was exposed to violence, drugs, sex and that was the way of life in that area.

From an early age, I always found that something was missing, like there was a void in my life. I didn’t know how to fill that void which eventually led me to get lost in the narratives that the streets had to offer. I had gotten my first charges and was incarcerated when I was only thirteen, and once that cycle started it continued.

Finally, when I was twenty years old, I got shot and life just changed for me. The lesson that I have learned through all of my dark days of violence and incarceration was that I am a resilient person, and I never gave up. I believe that resilience is the key to anyone’s journey, no matter where you are, because you are practicing your free will and your willpower to overcome circumstances that life throws at you.

My resiliency is what sets me apart from a lot of individuals because I refuse to give up. I could lose my focus at times, but I will not give up no matter what situation I am in. Another lesson that I have learned is to not allow my emotions to get out of control, which can happen because of the trauma that I have endured. It is still a learning process for me, but I understand what the outcomes may be if I react without centring myself. Address yourself as a victor, a champion, and do not see yourself as a victim, because it affects how you perform in life.”