BONNYVILLE - Angella Papillon is a local professional, mother of four, and a student working towards her Masters in Social Work. She has fought hard to overcome both homelessness and learning disabilities as she worked to create the life she has today.
Papillon works as the Community Workforce Development Program Lead at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, where she helps others find the skills and opportunities to improve their own lives.
During Papillon’s early years, she struggled with school and was diagnosed with Dyslexia and auditory processing disorder at the age of seven.
“I struggled with reading and spelling and dropped out of school by Grade 9, thinking I wasn’t smart enough,” said Papillon. “After dropping out, I found myself homeless at times, couch surfing, and struggling to get by.”
Papillon eventually found her way to Alberta where she found work in fast food restaurants.
“When I became pregnant at 20, I realized that my job wasn't enough to provide for my son, so I sought the help of a career counselor,” said Papillon.
Papillon was later diagnosed with ADHD, and said the diagnosis helped her understand many of the challenges she faced with focus and organization.
With her counselor’s encouragement and dedicated support from the learning assistance department staff, Papillon decided to go back to school, armed with a newfound knowledge of her unique learning style.
“I went back to school [and] excelled, earned the Student of the Year award, and went on to pursue a Disability Studies program and Health Care Aide certification,” said Papillon.
After spending years working in health care, Papillon made the decision to pursue her education further.
“I enrolled in the Social Work program at Portage College - a dream I had always put off. Now I’m in the final year of my Master of Social Work,” said Papillon.
Her experience navigating her own learning disabilities has given Papillon insight into the struggles of others, and she now views those challenges in a more positive light.
“I may still struggle with spelling, reading, and staying focused at times, but my learning disabilities, including ADHD, have given me the power to empathize and help others overcome their own challenges. I’m no longer ashamed of them - they’ve shaped me into the person I am today,” said Papillon.
Papillon expressed her gratitude to the Bonnyville Friendship Centre for supporting her and for the opportunities they have given her to use her expertise to help others
“Now I get to help others rediscover their potential, just like I did. I am living proof that it’s never too late. . . I’m 41, a mother of four, and in my final year of my Master of Social Work. Never give up on your dreams,” said Papillon.
“To anyone out there with a learning disability who feels like they can’t do it, I’m here to tell you - you can. Embrace who you are and love yourself. Your disability might just make you even more powerful.”
