When I look back on my childhood, I can’t help but feel that I grew up during the best time: I got to experience the nuance of a world undergoing a drastic change. Computers had been invented, but not every household had one. There was always something on TV, and online subscriptions weren’t yet a thing. IPods were brand new and could do practically anything! I still spent my summers roaming around the neighbourhood, and winters building the ultimate snow forts. Countless people and things have shaped me into the person I am today. Though I cannot name every single one, these were the most impactful throughout my childhood. Â
First of all, a special thanks to Scooby-Doo and the characters, shows, and movies that I would watch endlessly as a kid. The franchise centres around catching monsters, finding clues, and solving mysteries. If I had never had an interest in the series, I would not have studied forensics in university. Without this show, I would be in a very different position in my life, which is crazy to think about, but I am very thankful.
The GameCube is responsible for showing me how fun it can be to be somebody else. With a click of a button and an exchange of a CD, I can be a hero, a villain, a robot, a racecar driver, an athlete, an explorer, and so much more. The GameCube helped me learn the best way to spend a morning—or a whole weekend—is by myself or with a group of friends.
I would like to thank Barbie for teaching me that I can be anybody I want to be. She made sure I knew that being a girl is so much more than people know, and that if I can think it, I can do it. Barbie personally showed me that a scientist-princess is a very real career path, and it’s one that I remain on today.
Bill Nye is the science guy. He’s the one who showed me how much fun science can be.He also taught me just how important science is, both for us and the world. He brought joy to elementary and high school classrooms, turning any bad day into a good one
A massive thanks is in order to Mr. Seth MacFarlane. Although I should not have watched his television shows as a kid, I did anyway. Seth MacFarlane played a defining role in shaping my understanding of pop culture—from movies and television to music, theatre, sports, and world events. If I had never watched Family Guy or American Dad, then I wouldn’t understand much of mainstream culture from the past.
I’ve lost count of the number of times MuchMusic has introduced me to an amazing song, band, or artist. Growing up, I often sat in front of the television with a notebook in hand, jotting down the names so I could remember them later. MuchMusic deserves all of the credit for my music preference today.Â
Finally, I must thank the wonderful Robert Munsch. Mr. Munsch captivated my childhood, along with many others, with numerous stories about kids like me. Children who went trick-or-treating, experimented with makeup, and liked to build sandcastles were all stories told in his books. His stories and humour reside in the hearts of many and will remain iconic pieces of Canadian literature forevermore.Â
