Coming from a family with green thumbs, Trevor Anderson (’98) knows that each fruit, vegetable, and legume finds its own way to sprout. When you take care of your garden, you can grow incredible things.
That’s exactly what Nancy Anderson did when she cared for her son’s education. She found him a place where he felt accepted, but that feeling doesn’t happen right away. It’s discovered in moments of understanding and in places that feel accepting.
Sometimes it looks like a classroom at Calgary Academy, and other times it looks like open land, fresh air, and space to move freely.
Finding a Refuge
Trevor remembers feeling like the odd one out in middle school. He was known as the hyper, distracting student in class.
His mother, Nancy, saw Trevor much differently. He was athletic, energetic, curious, and loved being outside.
“He was really inquisitive and athletic and had lots of energy. So, he would always be doing things a little differently than other children.”
As Trevor grew, it became harder for him to stay seated and focused during class. After he was diagnosed with ADHD, it was a journey navigating understanding as they looked for a new school that could better suit his needs.
He started at Calgary Academy in Grade 9 and graduated in 1998.
In the 28 years since graduating, Trevor remembers the feeling of finding a place where he belonged more than any specific lesson from school. His classmates had similar school struggles, and he remembers being taught by neurodiverse teachers—ones that helped him see a future for himself.
“I don’t think I would have finished school. I don’t think I would have gotten nearly as far in life as I have if not for Calgary Academy and my mom… It was great because we were all in the same boat, and the teachers made you feel more normal.” – Trevor
Growing His Own Future
Nancy tried to share all the information she had on ADHD and neurodiverse learning with Trevor’s teachers in the 1990s. Her son wasn’t a troublemaker because he didn’t want to listen or focus during school—he had his own way of doing things.
“Society has that stereotype, that if you’re not coming in from recess at other schools because you’re picking up something on the playground to take it to the office, you’re misbehaving. The teachers think, ‘oh, that kid is never doing what he’s told,’ instead of having compassion, because he returned a sweater or something left outside.” – Nancy
Over time, Trevor has learned how he works best as the owner of Lil Green Urban Farm, which provides fresh produce to Calgarians through the city’s Farm Stand program.
Working as a ranch hand gave Trevor an appreciation for the land. Nancy owned a flower shop, and his family had always gardened. Trevor enjoyed spending time outside, and he followed his passion for agriculture to Olds College.
After graduating and moving in with his wife in Calgary, Trevor knew he wanted a farm, so he found a way to make it happen. Growing produce in six backyards across the city, he began operating Lil Green Urban Farm.
Eventually, he needed more space and found some farmland 20 minutes outside of the city. He’s still there today, and it has become another safe space for Trevor—a place where he can be in his element around quiet nature.
“You’re 20 minutes out of the city. There are no signs of the city, sounds, or smells. For me, it’s important to be in a comfortable, happy place… Being able to get out of the city to get my work done was huge.”
Supporting Her Son, No Matter the Age
Nancy sold her flower shop in 2022 after working in the business since 1992. It was time for her to “slow down,” so she decided to write a children’s book based on Trevor, titled One of a Kind Kid.
She remembered all the times she fought for her son’s learning needs and felt inspired to write a children’s book.
“I decided that people who are never going to read about ADHD in depth would benefit from a little book that helped them to understand and relate to people with ADHD. I also thought that children who felt misunderstood would be able to relate.” – Nancy
Trevor can still relate to the book today—he jokes that he has the “classic ADHD work ethic.” If he has an abundance of produce, he may stay up all night pickling to get it done.
While he can joke that he’s still the same student he was, Nancy sees the hard work that Trevor has put in since he was a child.
“Trevor is far more capable than he gives himself credit for. He works incredibly hard and has at everything he’s done over the years. He takes a negative situation and doesn’t walk away from it.”
Nancy has always advocated for her son and instilled an important lesson in his life: you don’t need to live life the way that others think you must.
You can find what you love doing and how you want to do it if you have someone there to cheer you on. Whether it’s your family, friends, or school community—CA is proud to support students like Trevor.
You can find Lil Green Urban Farm by checking out Calgary’s Farm Stand program.