When Carleton University’s Isabel Alonso Vilarino applied to work at Youth Haven this summer, the last thing she expected to be doing was jumping out of an airplane flying at 10,000 feet!

Isabel has been afraid of heights her entire life.  She has troubles even stepping onto apartment balconies and described the few seconds that she spent on the CN Tower’s glass observation deck as “the most terrifying moment of my life”.  So what on Earth could compel the admitted Acrophobic to face her fear of heights?

“Since arriving at Youth Haven, I’ve encountered Youth who have to face their fears nightly.  They don’t know what is going to happen the next day but somehow manage to go on.  How can I possibly help or inspire them if I let my own fears control me?” – Isabel

The Public Affairs & Policy Management student was inspired to work at Youth Haven after witnessing friends who had been at risk.  Soon after joining the team, she decided to participate in the #JumpForJustin event supporting Youth Haven’s #FaceYourFear fundraising campaign.  On July 14th, she will leap out of a plane and plummet to earth at 200 kms per hour.  Isobel’s decision to face her fear will help raise much-needed funds for our shelter.

“If you let fear control you, you’re not living your life.  Life may be scary but you can’t let it keep you off the road to success.  You can either face the pain on the road to success, or the pain of being haunted by your fears.  I’m choosing to face on the road to success.”  – Isabel

Isabel has set a goal of $500 for her jump.  Please help her surpass that amount by making a donation today!  Simply click the link below to support Isabel’s #FaceYourFearYouthHaven jump!

Face Your Fear

Thank you, Isabel, for having the courage to #FaceYourFear and helping to raise funds for Youth Haven!