Leading with love: A Valentine’s visit to Elizabeth Ballantyne Top of Form

Returning to Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary (EB) felt especially meaningful this February. When Samara O’Gorman first visited in 2024, she was welcomed with warmth and openness. This time, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, that warmth seemed to multiply. Students, staff, principal Eugenia Carystios, and event lead, Carmy Colafabio, Special Education Technician, greeted her with genuine excitement. 

O’Gorman’s messages: choose kindness even when it’s hard; stay true to yourself; and love who you are, were a perfect match on the eve of Valentine’s Day. And the students’ responses spoke volumes. After the presentation, they lined up, eager to take the mic and share their thoughts and questions. 

Odelle, dressed in pink for the occasion, asked, “Why do people have to be mean? I want everyone to be kind and good.” 

“It’s actually so simple to be kind,” O’Gorman replied. 

Danika offered thoughtful insight of her own: “If you’re ever nervous and someone bullies you, take a deep breath. They might be insecure or don’t like something about themselves, and they’re putting it on you.” 

O’Gorman built on that idea, explaining that bullying often reflects struggles happening beneath the surface. When we respond with curiosity instead of judgment, we shift the energy entirely. 

Another student asked, “How come people bully people for liking what they like?” 

“Sometimes people react to differences with judgment,” O’Gorman said. “I’m here today to teach you that you can react with curiosity and kindness,” she said. “It’s way, way better in the end.” 

So close to Valentine’s Day, the message was clear: leading with your heart isn’t complicated. It’s a choice. 

Moments like this are what the Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour is all about. When young people feel safe enough to ask honest questions and confident enough to share their own wisdom, empathy becomes more than a word. It becomes something lived and practiced every day. At EB, that practice is well underway. 

A heartfelt thank you to Carmy Colafabio, the EB staff and students for the warm welcoming. With the generous support of The Jaclyn Fisher Foundation, Inspirations is proud to continue bringing messages of empathy, resilience, and empowerment to classrooms across Greater Montreal and surrounding areas.