Jeanie Rochon may be confined to a wheelchair due to spina bifida, but her outgoing spirit, competitive nature and heartwarming character know no bounds.
This is clearly evident on a warm winter day in early March École secondaire catholique L'Horizon, where she goes to school.
Rochon playfully banters back-and-forth with her education specialist Suzanne Dallaire before, during and after a scheduled interview, sometimes finishing the teacher’s sentences or inserting a smart-as-a-whip wisecrack. They joke and laugh to the point where they are both almost in tears.
It is also clear that Rochon and Dallaire share a strong bond — they spend most of the hours at school together developing the relationship and strengthening it every day. The bond has helped Rochon transition to high school for Grade 9 and become a successful secondary student athlete who now has a big goal in life.
“I’m keeping up the positive attitude because I want to go to the Paralympics and compete,” she said. “That would be interesting. I’m ready for anything.”
For Rochon, life isn’t about focusing on what hand she was dealt at birth by being born with spina bifida. It’s about getting the most out of life every day and showing others she can compete.
“A positive attitude is the best thing to have,” the 16-year-old said. “I like to make everyone around me aware, even though I am in a wheelchair, I can do anything I want, even if it is difficult sometimes. This is my life. I’ve been in a wheelchair my whole life. It doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do.”
...even though I am in a wheelchair, I can do anything I want, even if it is difficult sometimes.
Jeanie Rochon,
para Nordic skier
Three years ago, Rochon’s life was dramatically altered when she tried para Nordic skiing for the first time at the Walden Cross-Country Fitness Club. The Walden club head coach, Patti Kitler, was looking for a few good recruits for the para Nordic skiing program she had begun. Kitler had the chance to speak with Rochon’s mother, Natascha, who recommended Rochon for the program.
Rochon tried it and was hooked from the first time. It has lead to bigger and better things. Earlier this winter, Rochon competed at the Haywood NorAm Multi-Events Eastern Canadian Championship and earned second place in the 2.5-kilometre race. Rochon also qualified for the 2011 Canada Winter Games for the 2.5-km, 800-metre sprint and 5-km races. Rochon placed fifth in each event.
“I finally found something I like to do in the winter,” Rochon said. “Skiing is good exercise for me, it’s fun to do and I get to travel all over and meet a lot of people.
“It was difficult the first time, but I stayed with it,” she continued. “The success of racing motivates and drives me. Skiing has made me stronger. My mom pushes me a lot to be the best person I can be and to ski. She’s actually my inspiration.
She’s always there for me, whatever I need.”
And did Rochon have a good time at the Canada Winter Games? She didn’t hesitate for a second to answer.
“I would have stayed there another week,” she said. “It was a great experience. Oh wow, that was big competition. It was a big deal for me.”
When Dallaire is asked questions, Rochon didn’t hold back one bit and quickly, injecting her sense of humour into the conversation.
At one point, Dallaire stated she always sees Rochon with a positive attitude and being upbeat.
“Oh no, you should see me at home sometimes, I can be negative,” Rochon said, with a grin.
Then, Dallaire was asked about Rochon’s character and said she has a good sense of humour and works hard.
“When I want to,” Rochon hastily added, with the grin still pasted on her face.
Dallaire was also asked about Rochon’s efforts in and around the school.
“Oh, she will just go on and on and on,” Rochon threw in, still smiling.
Dallaire laughed and told Rochon to stop being so silly, but it’s obvious she didn’t really want Rochon to stop. Rochon’s playful banter seemed to ignite a spark inside Dallaire. But it didn’t stop the teacher from tossing out a joke of her own.
“We’re lucky to have her at our school,” Dallaire said. “She does inspire others at the school with her positive attitude. She does have a great sense of humour and she has a positive outlook on everything. That’s why I want to do so much for her, because she is willing to try anything. She is a character and works hard every day — but don’t tell her that because it will go to her head.”
Coach Kitler said she has seen a lot of positive change in Rochon since she arrived at the club three years ago. The experience has made an impact on Kitler.
“Jeanie is a girl who takes care of her friends and enjoys being with people,” Kitler said. “She will help out her teammates whenever she can.”
The coach said the training has also improved Rochon's overall health. “She does not get sick as much and she is a lot stronger. When I first met Jeanie, her mom would move her to her chair and back to the car. Jeanie can get into her sit ski on her own now.”
She said her self-confidence has also grown. “She is willing to try new adventures and learn from her errors.
“She is determined, strong and passionate all in one. Jeanie did not know what she was getting into... but I have been blessed to have Jeanie come into my life to help me learn how to develop her as an athlete.”
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