If you know me, you probably know that I went to boarding school in Canada.

I attended Grenville Christian College for four years, and while I didn’t have it nearly as bad as some, I still have plenty of stories. They are vivid memories, even though they are over 25 years old.

There was the time my white cotton bikini briefs were confiscated in front of all the girls because they were immodest, and I should have only granny panties. Then, there was the time I was forced to eat liver until I finished it with a spoon, or the time I was told I couldn’t have any Chinese friends because that was weird and I was not normal.

I was only on “D” (discipline) one time for three days. During that one time, I was forced to eat, sleep, and go to classes alone and out of uniform. Discipline meant that everyone in the school shunned you and knew you were in trouble. I had to scrub the kitchen floors with a toothbrush and wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone. I cried so hard during the first two days that the staff hid me away in a staff apartment because I was creating too much of a scene.

The part that was always confusing about Grenville is that it was fun too. I got to square dance, make life-long friends, and learn how to debate. I apple picked and went skiing. I always told my parents I wanted to go back year after year.

Usually, I tell my stories as a joke, or as part of my weird past. But the truth is that some of the staff members thrived on humiliating children and tormenting them (us) in abusive ways.

Some of them are being held accountable in court in Toronto starting this week.

I’ve debated on whether or not to share my experience publicly, I don’t want to make my parents feel bad for sending me (although they were manipulated too), or lose any of my GCC friends that don’t agree with the trial- but you know what? I need to support those brave souls testifying in Toronto. Years ago, I shared my very personal stories (not shared here) with a bishop in an internal Anglican investigation, and they were brushed off, so I’m happy to see other people speaking out and being heard.

To top it all off, the CULT of Community of Jesus is denying any link to Grenville which is absurd considering staff went back and forth between the two organizations.

Thank you for reading my story.

You can read more about Grenville here.