AAFS Annual Report 2018 - 2019 | Page 22

20 years old as of August 11th 2012.

The rolling over of adulthood coupled with major changes and impressive growth. Approximately 187 days later an even bigger change. A career change, one that would be more than

a shift in financial independence. A change that would show humility, patience, and care... all for others in addition to myself. Memories of this time are fleeting, and as I grow older the blurred vision of the past becomes obscured by foresight

of the future. The guiding light of the path ahead causes the outlining silhouette to rapidly cover the past. That isn't to say everything is lost on me.

My first shift... Bowling at the now defunct alley at what we’re now calling Deerfoot City, apparently. A young man, and long time AAFS member, was searching for something to ease his sensory needs. The bowling alley nearly an hour away from opening, and lunch already digesting, the sensory needs could no longer wait. A “Winners” department store anchored on one end of the nearly apocalyptic mall. This young man’s agitation grew and grew, and the stopping and yelping escalated along with it. The gates of Winner finally raised, and this young man marched directly to the section where all his sensory needs could finally be satiated.

Christian Kostyniuk

Program Coordinator - Media & Arts