Humans of IG – Carly Beneteau

What/where do you consider your hometown?
I was born and grew up in Windsor, Ontario.

Do you have a talent, hobby or skill people wouldn’t expect? If so, do tell!
One hobby people may not expect is that I enjoy lifting weights. I like going to the gym in general and doing bootcamp or Zumba classes, but I think it looks super impressive to do deadlifts.

What brings you joy? When are you happiest?
I would say cooking food for loved ones and baking treats would be one of the many things that brings me joy. I try cooking new recipes each month and make my own ice cream. I also love spending time with my little nieces and nephews and seeing how silly and creative they can be! I’m at my happiest when I’m eating delicious food and having good conversations with others. Bonus if this is followed by playing some board or card games.

Is there one experience in your life that really changed you or shaped who you are and made you think differently?
One experience that helped shaped who I am happened when I did my college co-op placement for my social service work degree. I was placed at an organization that helps young people ages 15-30 obtain employment, get back into school, and access training. The placement helped solidify that I wanted to help people as my career and one way of doing that was connecting them to resources to achieve their goals. It made me think differently because I realized I did not need to be the one who had all of the answers to help others, but that I was there to help guide and let them make their own choices. It was incredibly rewarding and always exciting to celebrate a young person getting their first job or completing a training program.

If there was a theme song to your life, what would it be?
One song that came to mind was Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk. To me it’s a reminder to keep going and work towards making your life better and better.

Who in your life has had the biggest impact?
My mom has had the biggest impact on my life and I am lucky to have her as a fantastic role model. She has always been very patient, caring, and willing to listen without judgement. She has always let me be my own person and supported me in my decisions, even if sometimes they were the wrong ones. She has also spent a lot of her leisure time volunteering, whether through her time or her talents, and this has provided me with a wonderful example of how people should give back to their communities.

If you had a day off to spend any way you wish, what would you do and why?
I would take a day trip with my partner to check out a local attraction, activity, or try a new restaurant. I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what Ontario has to offer. The photo of me holding a goat was taken at Udderly Ridiculous’ Goat Recess activity in Bright Ontario and we had so much fun hanging out with adorable ‘kids’!

When do you feel the most content?

I feel the most content when the work day has ended, all of the chores have been done, and there’s nothing left for me to do but relax. If the timing works out, this will happen late Saturday morning and I will be enjoying my second coffee with my dog by my feet and a book in my hand.