My Degrassi dream came true... and I finally get to tell you about it! (Patreon)

I can't believe I kept this a secret. 

A few months ago, I got a call from Linda Schuyler's personal assistant. I wish I could remember what she said, but I'm pretty sure I blacked out right away. Picture: screaming, crying and me going "YES! YES! YES!"

The idea was this: "Hey, Jocelyn. Linda Schuyler (your personal hero) has written a memoir called The Mother of All Degrassi. To promote the book, she wants to visit ten iconic locations from Degrassi's history. Telling stories about how they made an impact in both her career and the legacy of the show. And.. she wants you to come with her." 

Are.. you...f*cking.. kidding me!! Cue: screaming.. crying.. YES! YES! YES!

After a few weeks of zoom calls (yeah, I zoomed with Linda Schuyler!!) I boarded a plane and flew to Toronto. When I landed, I hopped in a car with Melinda and JD. Melinda is Linda Schuyler's Personal Assistant and she worked on Degrassi in the Art Department. JD is our videographer/editor for the series and a former Office Assistant on Degrassi.

You can imagine -- I was pretty star struck. 

We spent the day scouring our ten Degrassi locations and making sure we were prepared for the big day of filming. Yes, that means I did this iconic tour of Degrassi locations... twice!!  *fangirling*

Then, they told me we'd be heading to Toronto's Yacht Club where we're having dinner with.. Annie Clark, Stephen Stohn, Linda Schuyler and Iain Christiansen. That doesn't even sound real. Thank goodness I have this photo! ^

I was too nervous to eat. But, I wasn't too nervous to pick Linda Schuyler's brain with all my curious Degrassi questions. Eagerly listening as she and Stephen reminisced about their little show. I was too nervous to maintain eye contact with Annie Clark - but I knew we had a few days ahead of us! 

Probably my favourite moment from dinner - was when I asked Stephen if he could sign my copy of Whatever It Takes, his memoir that helped shape many episodes of my podcast. "Can we grab a photo before you leave?" I asked. Sadly, he wasn't coming with us on the tour. So, when the sun started to set and the skyline looked beautiful - we all rushed out to grab this shot. I'd say it's my favourite - but it's just the beginning of our Degrassi adventures!

We parted ways and after a day of passing by skyscrapers and street cars - this small Island girl finally took it all in. I can't believe this is really happening. I scarfed down my leftovers and went to bed - day dreaming about my next morning with.. Linda Schuyler!

First stop - the real De Grassi Street in Toronto!

There's so many stories to share just from filming this one segment. I'll be sharing many on the podcast, I'm sure. But my favourite was this: 

We'd been given some Degrassi High shirts by RetroKid, a few of us were matching. As we stood in Bruce Mackey Park a woman passed by walking her dog. 

"Are you guys a Degrassi fan club?" she asked. 

We all laughed, yeah, I guess we are! 

"We have Degrassi fans come from all over just to see our little street," she said. "The show made it really popular."

We cheered in excitement. Linda pipped up saying "thanks for letting us use your neighbourhood!" 

"No problem," she said. "We love to see it! Have fun!" She jogged off with her dog and we all shared a laugh. She'll never know she had that conversation with the creator of Degrassi.

We got ourselves together and filmed a little segment where Linda Schuyler shows me the book - Ida Makes A Movie. As podcast listeners, I know you're familiar with the likes of: Bruce Mackey, Ida Lucas, Linda Schuyler and De Grassi Street. So, you know that this moment, was pretty huge: 

Linda reads Ida Makes A Movie to Degrassi Kid on the real De Grassi Street.

After filming. We headed off to the next location.. and the hardest part was finally over. Of course I wondered - Can I really do this?! What if I say the wrong thing? What if I'm not good on camera?! What if I've just wasted all of their time and they flew me out here for nothing?! What if I.. don't do a good job. 

But, when Linda Schuyler grabs your shoulder and says "thank goodness you're here to help me through this!" You know, you're exactly where you're supposed to be.

So, where can you watch?! 

Our ten part series will be released over Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook. You can pre-order the book on Amazon. Spoiler alert: I've read it and it's amazing. 

A huge thank you to everyone involved in this project for celebrating my love for Degrassi and embracing me for exactly as I am. And all my podcast listeners who've followed me for years online as Degrassi Kid. 

And an even bigger thank you to everyone who likes and shares and reblogs our video series. 

Degrassi's the reason so many of us got to see our stories play out on TV. The reason we felt reassured that: you are not alone. Now, it's our turn to say thank you by celebrating Linda Schuyler's memoir: The Mother of All Degrassi. Because, if anyone deserves to know their story matters, it's her! 💕

Stay tuned!