Lana Antonio is a woman whose life is a masterclass in the art of living with purpose. Whether she is navigating the clinical demands of her role as a dermatology nurse or spearheading initiatives through her non-profit, People Helping People, Lana remains anchored in a deep-seated commitment to advocacy and inclusive change. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a vibrant force in the creative and modeling industry, where she utilizes her platform to foster genuine human connection. Her journey is defined by a unique ability to bridge the gap between healthcare and the arts, proving that whether one is healing skin or telling a story through a lens, the ultimate goal is to uplift and see the humanity in others.

In the realm of mental health, Lana’s perspective is uniquely informed by her daily work in dermatology, where she witnesses firsthand how physical conditions can fracture a person’s self-esteem and social identity. She challenges the traditional stigma that views physical self-care as vanity, arguing instead that appearance is a vital component of confidence and a legitimate gateway to opportunity. Beyond the clinic, she is a vocal advocate for dismantling the misconception that seeking mental health support is a sign of weakness. By comparing mental health check-ins to the casual way we discuss the flu or physical ailments, Lana champions a culture where therapy and resource-sharing are normalized. Her personal commitment to boundaries and self-compassion serves as a reminder that rest is not a luxury to be earned, but a fundamental requirement for anyone dedicated to pouring into the lives of others.

When it comes to her creative output in modeling and digital spaces, Lana views the camera as a tool for storytelling rather than a pursuit of mere aesthetics. To her, modeling is an act of honoring the labor and dreams of designers, while the production itself serves as a source of collaborative inspiration that fuels her own mission. She navigates the often-performative nature of social media by grounding herself in radical authenticity, frequently asking herself if her choices would remain the same if societal judgment were removed. This mindset allows her to use her "creative lens" to challenge harmful beauty norms, a philosophy deeply reinforced by her medical background which reminds her that all bodies are diverse and fragile. By prioritizing alignment with her own values over the pressure to be liked, she creates a digital impact that is as intentional as it is visually compelling.

Lana’s dedication to advocacy for inclusive change is best exemplified through the evolution of her non-profit, People Helping People. What began as a childhood impulse to buy toys for others matured into a structured organization born from a successful winter donation drive for Edmonton’s unhoused population. For Lana, true inclusivity is a practice of quiet, consistent advocacy and, most importantly, the act of listening to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. She highlights the systemic failures that occur when solutions are designed without consulting those in need, particularly noting the lack of accessible mental health resources for the unhoused and the barriers faced by trans individuals in the creative industries. She encourages anyone looking to start their own journey in advocacy to begin with the small, actionable step of analyzing their own biases and fostering empathy within their immediate circles.

Ultimately, Lana Antonio’s story is one of integration, melding the precision of medicine with the vulnerability of the arts to create a life of service. Her work reminds us that advocacy is not always about grand gestures; it is found in the uncomfortable conversations that break down barriers and the intentional choices we make to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. By living authentically and leading with empathy.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Today I asked University Students from the University of Alberta what their biggest dreams are. There were many beautiful people with such amazing dreams whether it be financial freedom, creating world change and being a police officer.

It is best that we reflect on the what matters to us and chase our dreams because at the end of the day, we only get this one life.

Let us all strive to achieve our dreams and ambitions!

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Adam Darling, otherwise known as GECO, is a videographer and artist whose creative journey began long before the rise of AI, starting with a cracked version of Photoshop on a school Chromebook at the age of thirteen. Over the years, he has cultivated a distinct brand identity rooted in his high school graffiti days, evolving into the acronym “Greatness Everybody Can Obtain.” Today, he balances the tactile satisfaction of putting pen to paper with a mobile-driven digital workflow, using his vibrant, youthful aesthetic to uplift others and chase ambitious creative goals.

In the realm of art and digital mediums, Adam views the transition from traditional to digital as a seamless evolution that offers immense creative freedom. While he acknowledges that digital tools allow for techniques impossible in traditional styles, he maintains a deep respect for the authenticity of manual work, often feeling the need to defend digital art from the assumption of being prompt-generated. His workflow is heavily centered on Procreate for its portability, alongside Photoshop, allowing him to create loud, colorful illustrations and odd characters that define the GECO brand. This identity is a direct nod to his love for graffiti a style he champions for its energy despite public misconceptions and serves as a constant reminder of the greatness he believes everyone can achieve.

When stepping behind the lens for videography and photography, Adam finds the sweet spot between raw, candid moments and intentional staging. He believes that over-calculating a shot can lead to a robotic and forced result, so he prioritizes a natural environment where subjects can be comfortable. Technical elements like color grading and lighting are vital to his process, acting as the emotional backbone of a project, shifting from cold and moody for somber pieces to bright and uplifting for celebrations. His adaptability is best evidenced by a recent music video project where he pivoted from an over-complicated plan to a simplified edit, proving that sometimes the best results come from letting the footage breathe.

Music serves as the primary engine for Adam’s visual work, though he prefers to stay behind the scenes rather than on the stage. Having grown up on the raw authenticity of artists like NWA and 50 Cent, he is driven to create the visual world that encapsulates a listener’s experience. He focuses on the visual side of the industry, such as music videos and cover art, rather than audio production, seeing it as his unique way to contribute to his generation's era of artists. If given the chance to be a creative director for his favorite artist, Travis Scott, he would aim to blend spacey, euphoric vibes with gritty textures to fully immerse the audience in the sound.

Ultimately, Adam’s work is a testament to the power of staying true to one's roots while embracing modern tools. Whether he is designing a new GECO illustration or color grading a music video, his goal remains the same: to create an authentic experience that stands out in a crowded social media landscape. By prioritizing connection and atmosphere over rigid perfection, he continues to build a body of work that is as meaningful as it is visually striking.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!