DJ Sonic mixes it up at the Action Centre
By Sonia Ruivo
This is an inspiring story about the power of connection and community. Jason Crevier is a student at the Action Centre, a satellite of PACC Adult Education Centre. The Action Centre is a community centre that provides programs to socialize, stimulate and educate its physically disabled adult clients.
When the pandemic hit, in-person classes became online classes. Jason’s teacher, Andrea Pinto, reached out to see if he’d like to join a Zoom class. Jason had been isolating at home for six months, and he was hesitant to try an online class. The months of isolation had left him feeling fearful, worried, frustrated, and he admitted that he often felt quite depressed. After speaking with Andrea, he agreed to try one class. That one class was all it took to convince him that he would enjoy the videoconference format, and he ended up taking all nine of her classes.
Jason loves playing music. Before the pandemic, he had been Andrea’s DJ for her Zumba class. He learned to use Zoom and was soon using the app to provide music for the online Zumba class, the Exercise-to-Music class, and for class breaks. He experienced a transformation when he started attending online classes. Within a week of being online, Jason was a different person: happy, upbeat, laughing, full of life and positivity.
Inspired by his love of Sonic Hedgehog, Jason gave himself a cool moniker: JaSonic Hedgehog aka DJ Sonic. He was soon playing fun and diverse mix of music. As his self-confidence grew, he asked a fellow classmate to be his girlfriend. This sweet event was witnessed and happily applauded by his classmates.
In June, Andrea invited a Camp Massawippi manager to join one of the virtual dance classes. Many members from the Action Centre, including Jason, attend the summer camp. DJ Sonic and the enthusiasm that his music generated within the group prompted a request for his DJ services a few days a week during Massawippi’s 2021 summer season. Even though he was unable to attend in person, he rose to the occasion, providing music virtually from his home for the benefit and pleasure of the campers.
In June, Jason was thrilled and very proud to be honoured with a Certificate of Merit and Appreciation from the Action Centre, recognizing his skills and talents, as well as his spirit of enthusiasm, kindness, and generosity.
As Andrea said, “With love and joy, a good teacher guides, encourages, and influences from the sidelines, always allowing the student to be the leader of his or her own life.”
Sonia Ruivo is a marketing consultant with the Communication and Community Development Department at the Lester B. Pearson School Board.
