Although I knew of Steven’s diagnosis & all the incredible opportunities he sought to discover & create from it, I hadn’t realized that Steven’s brilliance & optimism isn’t here in person with us to share in the present. I know this is a late submission, but I want to share my own personal stories in echoing & remembering what everyone else has expressed about Steven in fondness. I knew Steven through my sister while they played together at the Calgary Winter Club Competitive Badminton Team, and when we all went through undergrad at Queen’s.
Like all the other girls that met Steven, I had a big crush on him all throughout high school - who couldn’t help but admire his optimism, intelligence, wit & well-spoken curiosity for life? He probably suspected it, but it was confirmed when I told him the night of my 18th birthday while at Queen’s, early in the year in September. In fact, we were sitting in his dorm room surrounded my all our friends when I made the embarrassing decision to expose my secret crush after a few drinks!
But, like the gentleman Steven is, he handled the situation with grace despite not returning the same feelings, and made sure I got home to my own dorm room safely that night. 🤦🏻♀️ We had a good laugh about it a few weeks later when we ran into each other again, and his classiness just radiated through navigating through the awkwardness afterwards.
I always looked forward to running into Steven, whether it was at Queen’s, the Winterclub or at the Calgary Stampede, which was the last time I saw Steven. He was always excited about an amazing opportunity he had created in his life, and I remember knowing he was always destined for greatness. While all I wanted to do was finish residency & go home to Calgary, Steven wanted to explore the world, take chances, go on adventures & learn something new. And he always has, and still continues to inspire those around him to do so as well.
When I ran into Steven at the Stampede, Steven was so happy to see me, and I remember feeling so special that he was so happy to see me, as he always made everyone feel. We caught up on all our adventures we had each been up to over the years - Steven having worked at Apple & Google, given a TEDTalk & become a PhD, myself nearly finishing dermatology residency. Steven wanted to take a selfie & keep in touch. The photo I’ve shared is the one he took, and while I didn’t think much about it that day or months afterwards, I’m really glad he did today, and I treasure it.
I will always remember & admire Steven as an inspiration - personally, professionally & even philosophically. And now it’s our turn to do Steven proud. To always be curious. To continually search for adventure. To live life beyond your wildest imagination & self-imposed boundaries.
Thank you Steven for allowing me to be a small part of your life. For that, I am forever grateful.
Queen’s University, Calgary Winter Club, Calgary Stampede, Inspiration, Badminton
