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The Dowsett family moved to Seattle to begin a new adventure with their son. Gavin was only 12 years old during that time, still discovering the world that was now vastly changing under his feet. His mother Alice was an aspiring dancer, young and lively, wanting nothing more than to dance professionally on stage. Even though she had been in several productions while living in England, Alice wanted to venture out, needing to expand her horizons. Tom, on the other hand, was in many ways opposite to his wife. The man was reserved, though he displayed his intelligence through his career as a writer, while having his own personal goals for success. Despite their differences, they balanced each other well. Gavin transitioned into America with his accent still intact. "Why do you talk funny?" was often the question asked among his classmates. However, as the time went on, his accent started to take a twist of its own. Growing up, Gavin was exposed to a lot of environmental changes, from being in a different country, to living in various locations, often changing schools. Eventually, this enhanced some generalized anxiety issues that he had been experiencing, naturally causing him to struggle with taking risks. Gavin was inherently a curious child, always seeking information, comparable to his father. However, his anxiety proved to be difficult at times, and he found himself being overly cautious. Sometimes, his parents didn't really understand what to do with him, but it was common for Alice to regularly bring her son to dance rehearsals, hoping that he would be inspired to follow in her footsteps. After all, it was only normal that by four years old, Gavin was already enrolled in dance lessons. By high school, the Dowsett's were living in a more stable condition, as Tom found had found an occupation writing for a magazine. During this time, Gavin was trying to figure out who he was as his own person. He continued to attend the dance lessons that made his mother practically tear up at the sight of his progress, the main reason he remained committed, but he would be lying to say that he hadn't grown to enjoy it as a way to release what he couldn't express otherwise. Sometimes it was difficult to handle the teasing that came with his talent. He never really learned how to deal with it and that only enhanced the target on his back. Eventually, the name calling and the taunting seemed to drain every ounce of passion that Gavin had left and it wasn't the same anymore. There were days where he dragged his feet into the studio, rarely performing to the best of his abilities. It was then that arguments started to appear with his mother, intensified by the fear that he couldn't control. Gavin would threaten to quit, wanting nothing more to do with dance, and at one point, successfully walked right out of their home for the night. It never lasted. His mother had a way with words and eventually encouraged him to apply to Juilliard. Being a perfectionist made Gavin twice as hard on himself than most, often feeling like a disappointment to his mother, despite his father's reassure. The truth was, there was more bubbling under his skin - the denial of the sudden attraction developing for a close friend, causing him to avoid the stimulus to his anxiety at all cost. In addition, the teasing had increased, but the way his nose was usually burrowed in comic books rather than paying attention in class never helped the situation. It took experience after experience to help Gavin discover his true identity, rather than living his life based on the desire to please those around him. Even if these experiences consisted of hangovers with the scent of marijuana laced in his clothes or with make out sessions and curious hands that finally proved some peace of mind - particularly the feeling of hard muscle underneath his palms. Gavin was accepted into Juilliard for dance and took one of the largest leaps into his career. Unfortunately, something wasn't the same. While still battling internal hardships, he only had so much strength to power through. Eventually, he dropped out during his first year, and wanted nothing more than to disappear into the core of the earth to never been seen again. He had no direction to follow afterwards and seeing his friends continue with their education only made him slump further, knowing that he was at a standstill. It was at this point that his life took a turn and he moved back home to Seattle. A few years ago, the Dowsett's had taken in a foster daughter through their family friend, refusing to allow the child to fall into the system. The mother had grown ill and eventually passed, leaving her daughter without a stable home. Gavin had known her since when they were children, and although a few years apart in age, they always had a solid connection which only blossomed into a supportive sibling relationship that they both needed at the time. For once, Gavin felt like he had a purpose. His sister, then officially adopted, became his inspiration. She was able to open his eyes to things he had never been able to notice before and the world finally appeared bright and vivid in colour again. Despite the pause in his education, Gavin continued to learn about himself through adventures, as taking risks was always something he struggled with. He started to slowly leap into smaller things, even if they made his heart want to escape from his chest, until he could become a little less afraid of leaving his room. Eventually, Gavin was volunteering at homeless youth shelters, working closely with the LGBTQ community and providing support. This finally led to his revelation, and with his sister by his side, Gavin applied to the University of Washington and began his new adventure. He needed to work hard, and that he did, particuarly to prove to his mother and himself that this new chapter in his life wasn't a mistake. Gavin might have lost passion for his dance during a tough time in his life, but this new part of his identity brought out more of him than he had known about. This was a new passion that was also capable of lighting up what he had lost on the way to its discovery. Now he felt like he had a place, somewhere he belonged, and something that he could do to make a difference. Having accepted that part of him, has allowed Gavin to slowly open himself up to the bits of him that remembers the studio floor cold beneath his bare feet. But it's too soon to explore, and it's something that will take time, but Gavin enjoys every time that he's able to let go and relive it. He was successful in completing a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Early Childhood & Family Studies and proceeded to begin his Masters in Teaching to become an Elementary Special Education teacher, currently in his last year. parents siblings others
• Introvert for the most part, but with a few drinks and trustworthy friends, Gavin can release his worries through being eccentric. • Usually feels uneasy with new situations, mostly due to his anxiety, but tries to hide his insecurities by attempting to leap out of his comfort zone. Unfortunately, this can backfire sometimes, causing Gavin to panic in the end. • Has never been in love and doesn't believe in love at first sight. Due to his need to be independent, he worries that he may never find someone that would understand. • In the past, Gavin was a day camp counsellor (focused in dance) and has continued to volunteer throughout the years. He still tries to provide his time at youth shelters, working closely with the LGBTQ community. seven. Gavin is an avid comic con participant. As his room decor would prove, he loves anything comic book related. • Others might find it strange, but Gavin enjoys more than just science fiction, but the paranormal, as well. Bring on the ghosts, vintage oddities of skulls and conjoined heads. However, it doesn't mean he's immune to being scared. • Gavin has hidden colouring books in his bedroom. He enjoys painting and drawing to calm him down on tough days, or when he needs time to himself to reenergize. • Even though he's been living in the United States for awhile, there is still an accent present when he speaks. During an emotional situation, it usually becomes more noticeable. Gavin continues to visit London on a yearly basis. • Gavin is sarcastic and has a dry sense of humour that is often questioned. Despite how it may appear, he is an empathetic person and a nurturer, often wanting to help others and take of them. • Tom Dowsett has climbed the corporate ladder as an editor, working for a music magazine. Meanwhile, Alice Dowsett contines to utilize her passion with dance, working in a studio and assisting with theatre shows when the opportunity arises. • If in the kitchen, won't burn the house down. • To most people's surprise, Gavin is able to do various tricks on his skateboard and often utilizes the method to get around town. |
