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‘Why did I make it?’: Survivors of Dawson College shooting on compassion, finding purpose

Dawson College Survivors Reflect Two Decades On: Compassion, Healing and Purpose Two decades after the Dawson College shooting, survivor Hayder Kadhim and fellow survivor Meaghan.

'Why did I make it?': Survivors of Dawson College shooting on compassion, finding purpose
‘Why did I make it?’: Survivors of Dawson College shooting on compassion, finding purpose
Photo: Canadian Newsroom Archive

Dawson College Survivors Reflect Two Decades On: Compassion, Healing and Purpose

Two decades after the Dawson College shooting, survivor Hayder Kadhim and fellow survivor Meaghan Hennegan speak about the aftermath, resilience, and a renewed sense of direction in their lives. The incident occurred on September 13, 2006, at Montreal’s Dawson College, and left enduring marks on those who survived.

Kadhim and Hennegan describe how compassion emerged as a central theme in the years following the tragedy. They say the experience shaped their approach to others and influenced their sense of purpose. Their reflections come as they mark the 20th anniversary of the mass shooting.

The conversation highlights not only the personal impact of the event but also the broader meaning survivors assign to healing. Both survivors discuss how moments of adversity can steer people toward helping others and building resilience in the face of lasting trauma. The anniversary serves as a backdrop for examining how far they’ve come and the ways in which the incident continues to influence their lives.

Details on the survivors’ current activities, ongoing support networks, or specific programs they credit for aid are not provided in the material. The report focuses on the survivors’ introspective messages about compassion, healing, and purpose twenty years after the shooting at Dawson College.

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