I have been working in schools since 1981. Over the years, I have coached children, supported students with their learning and helped many build confidence in themselves. One of my greatest joys has been helping young people discover that they are capable of more than they imagined.
As a teacher, I believe this message matters deeply for students: you can accomplish incredible things when you believe in yourself, stay committed and keep moving forward—even when the path is not easy.
I coached rope skipping teams and had the privilege of bringing students to international competitions, where our teams finished among the top three in the world. I also taught high school art. Years later, one of my students asked me, “When are you going to do your own exhibit?” That question stayed with me. I eventually did—and I learned something important: sometimes we encourage others so much that we forget we are also allowed to chase our own goals.
In 2013, when I began semiretirement, I decided to explore my athletic potential again and entered the World Masters Games. I placed fifth in the world, and that experience gave me the confidence to return seriously to archery.
As a teenager, I had competed in archery at the Eastern Canadian Championships, but I stepped away while raising my family. Returning to the sport years later was both exciting and challenging.
In 2014 and 2015, I competed on the archery circuit and became the only Canadian to reach the finals two years in a row in the senior division. In 2018, when World Archery held a world championship event, I won silver in the World Field Championship after leading the target qualification round. It was a proud moment and also a reminder that every experience teaches resilience.
While continuing to teach part-time, I kept training and competing internationally. I also discovered that I love challenging myself in other sports.
In 2015, between indoor archery tournaments, I competed in long-track speedskating at the Winter World Masters Games and earned a bronze medal in the 3,000 metres, along with strong finishes in other distances.
In 2020, I competed in alpine skiing at the Winter World Masters Games. Returning to that discipline and finishing in the top 10 was another exciting challenge.
Then, in 2023, at the World Masters Games, I competed in field archery, earning bronze, and placed fourth in target archery. During those same games, I also entered speed kayaking—mostly as a hobby at first—and came away with six medals: three gold, two silver and one bronze. I missed another medal by only one second.
In 2026, I was honoured to receive the 2025 Female Athlete of the Year award from Archery Alberta. The award is presented the following year, once the season is complete and results can be reviewed. Receiving this recognition at the provincial indoor championship was a meaningful moment for me.
My experiences over the years—both wins and misses—remind me of something I often tell students.
Growth does not stop when we get older. Learning does not stop. Dreams do not stop.
We may begin something new later than expected. We may return to something we loved years ago. We may surprise ourselves.
Sport has taught me discipline, courage and perseverance, but most important, it has taught me that we are all capable of continuing to grow.
To every student:
Keep trying.
Keep learning.
Be brave enough to challenge yourself.
Trust the process.
You may discover strengths you never knew you had.
Lucie Filion has been teaching in Alberta for four decades and is currently a substitute teacher.
| Inside Insight is your chance to write about a memorable moment, a lesson learned or a poignant experience related to teaching. Please submit articles to managing editor Lindsay Yakimyshyn at lindsay.yakimyshyn@ata.ab.ca. |
