Anime North 2016

*Description: Photo taken at Swiss Chalet after spending the day at Anime North in cosplay for the first time, with my friend. Image taken on 3DS by myself. *Friend's face censored for privacy purposes* 

Memories of the Past

      Do you remember 2016? I do. It was the first year that I truly started to find myself as a person, my identity that I formed today all started back then. The year prior is what leaned me towards my new path, but 2016 was truly a memorable year for my self-development in the long run. 

Saturday, May 28th, 2016

      Today was my first day cosplaying and having an official badge at Anime North. I went the year prior reluctantly, unaware that the convention would change my life. After going in 2015, I didn't want to feel left out, I wanted to cosplay, I wanted to express myself and I wanted to have fun. My mom bought me a "Sakura Hatsune Miku" outfit online, as well as some cherry earrings and hair ties. For my birthday, I got the tips of my hair bleached and dyed pink (although I had to get them recolored at a different salon because the dye was a bit too orange). I was super excited to go, being hyped from my mere glimpse of the convention as an outsider the year before. When I went in, I was stunned by the beauty of the Convention hall, full of plushies, figurines, manga and more! We spent hours looking around and shopping. I was careful with my spending though, since I wanted to ensure I had enough money to purchase a Nintendo Switch the next year. After walking around for hours, I was frustrated at the fact that no one had asked me for a photo, or even knew who I was. A kind cosplayer dressed as Kagamine Rin complimented my outfit passing by, which brought a smile to my sulking face. Me, my sister, friend, mother and friends mother all sat down at Swiss Chalet *(refer to photo above). After we enjoyed our food, we went home, where I yearned to come back again next year.

- Syminessa