Volunteering builds confidence
Bronwyn shares how taking a lead through various volunteering opportunities has increased her confidence and sense of self.
March 2025
Hi, my name is Bronwyn Christison. I am 20 years old and in my second year studying Behavioural Science at Burman University. I first heard about WCK in March 2021 when I was undergoing cancer treatment at BC Children’s Hospital.
I remember my family and I started using the resources WCK provided such as the smoothies on floor T8 of the hospital! I recall the smoothies were the only thing I could eat when I was battling nausea from all the chemo – they were a lifesaver! I joined the teen girls online Hangouts soon after with a couple friends I met going through treatment.
My initial experience with WCK was positive, so when I got back into remission and started going back to school, I could not bear to leave behind this positive influence in my life that kept me grounded to the cancer community. During my high school career, I was able to be part of the WCK teens group, She Can (now known as The Club), and even volunteer as a facilitator for some of their online Hangouts!
Talking about cancer
As a kid, one might say I was quite outgoing. For instance, cliff jumping – not too high (don’t worry mum) – was super scary but fun for me! I know that I have always had the inclination towards public speaking from a young age, but specifically the opportunities where I get to share my cancer story or incorporate awareness about cancer or mental health. That’s what I really love to talk about!
I was given opportunities where I was an ambassador spokesperson for BC Children’s Hospital, Vernon Jubilee Hospital, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada during my childhood to teen years. These gave me the platform that I believe helped to ignite that flame in me to share my passion for cancer awareness. Plus, I got free perks like ice cream – that may have helped raise the incentive a bit ;).
No, but all jokes aside, I would say my confidence now is truly owed to all the people who believed in me, have been in my corner, and gently worked with me to cultivate a space to share my story. Currently, I have the opportunity to be in my university’s student leadership program and also to serve as a leader in my campus ministries team, all of which I am really enjoying.
However, there is a very special role I am currently involved in where I get to be a volunteer co-host of The Club. I help to facilitate our monthly online group sessions. Volunteering at WCK has always been something very near and dear to my heart and being involved in this capacity has definitely been a strong fueler for building my confidence, sense of self, and learning what my core values are. Although I still get really scared and nervous sometimes, at the end of the day, I love being part of something that is bigger than myself. Knowing that helps to build my confidence to keep doing those things that fuel my fire 🙂
Taking more of a lead
When lovely Kelsey (Kels) reached out to me about taking more of a leadership role, I was enthusiastic about the chance. Prior to this, I remember messaging her about my previous role as a host of WCK’s online Hangouts groups. I wanted to know if I could keep volunteering in this way to continue developing my facilitator skills. However, to my surprise I learned that I wouldn’t be able to lead in that same capacity due to WCK’s changing and evolving program needs.
Although I was sad at first, Kels said I could help lead The Club and I was amazed. At first I was nervous about the ask, as I knew I would be working with peers of a similar age instead of being a facilitator with little kids. To be completely honest, I was scared about the thought of leading sessions with participants my age or older!
I did not have to fear for long though as Kelsey supported me through the whole transition process and gave me her expertise and insight. Not only that, but I found out I would be hosting with another girl my age so we would be in this together and be able to collaborate and share our ideas.
Looking back, I am so glad I said yes to this new leadership role, even though I was hesitant at first. I know it is teaching me valuable and transferable skills like being flexible and adaptable and learning the appropriate time to back off or step in. Although the dynamic is much different than my previous volunteer role at WCK, I am thoroughly enjoying my time and I am thankful to the amazing humans I get to lead with, learn from, and share space with. They are seriously all so FABULOUS. So much love for them!
Hey! I'm Kelsey.
Want to learn more? Reach out to Connections Program Coordinator Kelsey Beedller at connections[at]wckfoundation.ca