What does it look like to go from feeling completely lost to building a future with purpose?
At Fanshawe College, the Reboot Plus program supports youth in London, Ontario through hope-centred career development, helping them rediscover confidence and direction. We had the opportunity to speak with Dakota about her experience in the current offering of the program. Here’s her story.
Finding Hope Again: My Life Today
Seven months sober, accepted into college, and finally feeling hopeful about my future, this is something I never thought I’d be able to say.
Hi, my name is Dakota, and not long ago, I felt completely lost. Everything started to change when I found the Reboot Plus program, but my journey to get there was anything but easy.
Life Before Reboot: A Story of Survival
For the first 16 years of my life, I was just trying to survive while living with a narcissistic mother. During that time, I went to 14 different schools.
Shortly after I turned 16, I went off on my own. Not long after leaving my mother’s care, I met a boy who changed my life forever, but not in a good way. I spent the next two years dealing with domestic abuse, moving from place to place, and trying to stay in school and get my diploma, which didn’t end up happening.
After I turned 18, I left that relationship behind, got a job, and tried to better my life. I attempted to finish my diploma online through an adult continuing education program, but life had other plans.
At 19, I traveled across Ontario for about six months with my then-boyfriend-turned-fiancé before we packed everything into my truck and drove to Nova Scotia. While living there for just over six months, I faced homelessness, drug addiction, and unbelievable heartbreak. I worked three different jobs, met so many people, and made both good and bad memories: all of which I’m thankful for today.
Hitting Rock Bottom and Choosing Change
I moved back to Ontario in September 2025 with only what I could carry. That same month, I made the decision to quit drugs. As of April 18, 2026, I am 7 months and 17 days sober, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
Less than a year ago, I felt like my life was ending. I was dealing with crippling heartbreak and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I felt completely lost and hopeless.
In those first few months back, I focused on staying clean and helping my family. In December, I met someone who is now my boyfriend, and along with my family, he pushed me to get out of bed every day and reminded me that life can be worth living. If it weren’t for them, I never would have heard about the amazing Reboot Plus program.
Discovering the Reboot Plus Program
My first day of Reboot was amazing. I was just about to start working toward my high school diploma when I learned about this incredible program.
The Reboot Plus program supports youth through hope-centred career development. That means helping students rebuild confidence, set meaningful goals, and believe in a future that feels possible. It’s not just about school; it’s about understanding who you are, what you’re capable of, and where you want to go next.
Reboot Plus helped me better understand what it means to be part of a team, while also preparing me for college, university, or the workforce.
Support That Removes Barriers
My teachers, Collyn Sorrell and Jen Anderson, are two of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. They are patient, kind, and make class something I actually look forward to. No matter what we’re working on, they have a way of making it fun and memorable.
Reboot Plus also supports students in real, practical ways. From interview preparation to providing clothes or even shoes for a job, they remove barriers so you can focus on moving forward. They truly think of everything you might need to succeed.
Building a Future with Confidence
My teachers Collyn Sorrell and Jen Anderson are truly incredible. With their constant encouragement, along with my own hard work and determination, I’m proud to say that as of September 2026, I will be a Fanshawe student in the General Arts Program (GAP) program.
My goal is to earn my hairstyling license and eventually a degree in business. Reboot Plus helped me make goals and a plan for my future. It opened my mind to so many possibilities and showed me that I am capable of more than I ever thought.
Why I Recommend Reboot Plus to Other Youth
During my time in Reboot, I’ve made so many friends and had so many positive experiences.
If you feel stuck, lost, or unsure of your future like I did, I highly encourage you to take that step and join the Reboot Plus program. It truly can change your life for the better in more ways than you can imagine. Reboot Plus has a way of opening your mind to the possibility of so many things and can help you every step of the way.
Taking that first step changed everything for me.
The Reboot Plus project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada.