‘Run into the discomfort’: Sarah Polley’s advice to Western grads

Thousands of graduating students shared a memorable moment at Western University’s fall convocation with Oscar winner Sarah Polley, the recipient of an honorary degree Thursday.

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The Canadian filmmaker was bestowed a doctor of letters degree in recognition of his contributions as an actor, writer, film director and activist.

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Polley, 44, was introduced at the ceremony at Alumni Hall by Western president Alan Shepard, chancellor Kelly Meighen and Constanza Burucúa, associate professor and graduate chair.

Esteemed not only for her achievements as a writer, actor and filmmaker, Polley is also recognized for her social activism and advocacy for gender equality, Burucúa said.

Polley congratulated the more than 3,100 graduates for their achievements and shared with them what she called the most valuable piece of advice she had ever received. She said the advice “changed the course” of her life and also became the title of her book called Run Towards the Danger.

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“It was given to me by a doctor treating me for persistent post-concussion symptoms,” Polley said in her address. “And it didn’t just cure my concussion. It changed who I am and what I feel I’m capable of.

“I had two small children and work, and it knocked me into a state of not being able to either care for my children or work.

“I was told that I should now view symptoms (of the concussion) not as something to be avoided but as opportunities to increase my threshold of tolerance, that I must learn how to run into the discomfort instead of away from it in order to recover fully.”

Polley, who entered the film industry as a child actor, is known for her lead role in the television series Road to Avonlea. During the speech, she shared her acting experience in Stratford Festival’s Alice Through the Looking Glass in 1994.

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“When I was a teenager, I was in a production at Stratford, and I had a full-on nervous breakdown as a result of my terror of going on stage every night. After that, I avoided going on stage and particularly public speaking like this. Now, I’m standing here before you. A little nervous, but not terrified of the nerves,” Polley said at the speech.

Earlier this year, Polley won an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for the film Women Talking. She was also the first woman to receive a Genie award for best director in 2019, when she was honored by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television for the film Away From Her. Polley also was nominated for an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for the film that was the first film she directed.

Other notable works by Polley include the adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s Alias ​​Grace and Take This Waltz, a comedy-drama film set in Toronto.

“I wish for all of you a triumphant path forward wherever it goes. And a lifetime of hearing your own voice clearly. Thank you for this great honor and congratulations,” Polley said.

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