A big part of my childhood was walking down the Scarborough Heights Waterfront trail, and exploring the lush landscapes, clay cliffs, and glossy waters. My family and I enjoyed bird watching, checking for fish along the rocks, and watching the paddle boarders pass by.

One day after a rainy weekend my mother and I decided to walk the opposite side of the trail, towards the west. As we walked the trail there was a large opening between rocks, displaying a large grate with bars across. As we approached the grate, my mother was able to determine that it was some sort of sewer. The sewer had water trickling from it and into the lake. The odour was terrible. This experience really impacted the enjoyment I had walking down the trail as a child. I couldn't help but wonder what was leaving the sewer, why it was entering the lake, and the impacts this could have on the wildlife.

At the time, I was unaware of sewage system overflows and the impacts heavy rainfall has on combined sewage systems. Fast forward 12 years to university, I learned all about wastewater treatment plants, and the impacts heavy rainfall has on combined sewer systems, as well as the hazards to environmental health and Public Health. This experience led me to pursue a degree in Public Health which aided my passion in protecting the environment and public health.