Some people seem to carry a kind of light with them — an energy that’s both positive and palpable, drawing others in without effort. Christine Coles is one of those individuals. When you meet her, it’s impossible not to be caught up in the warmth of her genuine smile and her sincere curiosity about the people around her.
Christine’s story is deeply rooted in Sarnia. Born and raised here, she attended Cathcart School before moving on to Northern Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Growing up, she was the kind of student who loved both creativity and connection, passions that have continued to shape her life in meaningful ways.
Although Sarnia has always been home, Christine’s journey took her to other cities. She spent time living in both Edmonton and Toronto — experiences that broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for her hometown. It was during her time in Toronto that Christine found herself at the Royal Conservatory of Music, a job she speaks about with fondness. There, surrounded by the hum of musical talent, she found herself drawn to the piano rooms during breaks, slipping into moments of quiet connection with an instrument that has been part of her life since she was just four years old.
“My grandmother played the piano,” Christine shares, “and it’s been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.” Along the way, she also picked up the guitar and studied ballet, cultivating a deep appreciation for the arts that still infuses her life today.
Yet, despite the vibrancy and excitement of big city living, it was Sarnia’s quieter beauty that ultimately called Christine back. "Sometimes you have to leave a place to really see it," she says. What she found upon her return was a community rich with possibility, surrounded by the kind of natural beauty — the lake, the skies, the open spaces — that she had come to cherish.
Now, Christine is not only a proud Sarnian but also an active builder of community here. She serves as a moderator for the incredibly popular Facebook group You Gotta Love Sarnia, which boasts more than 30,000 members. It’s a role that allows her to foster positivity and connection among residents, a responsibility she takes seriously. “There’s something beautiful about connections,” Christine reflects. “Getting yourself out there, building bridges between people — that’s how community grows.”
Her life in Sarnia is rich and full. By day, she works as a server, a job she enjoys because it lets her interact with people from all walks of life. It’s the small moments — a quick conversation, a shared laugh — that energize her and remind her of the power of human connection.
Outside of work, Christine is often chasing the sun — literally. With her trusty Canon camera in hand, she seeks out sunrises and sunsets, capturing fleeting moments of breathtaking beauty. “Chasing the sun” has become a kind of meditation for her, a way to connect on a deeper level with the world around her. Her photography, like her music, isn’t just about the art; it’s about the feeling — about being present in a moment that’s bigger than herself.
Photography and music are her passions, but they’re also her tools for self-discovery. In fact, Christine describes herself as being on a continuous path of personal growth, one that has been shaped by stepping outside of her comfort zone again and again. "You have to be willing to put yourself out there," she says. "That’s how you find out who you are — and that’s how you build something meaningful with others."
Part of Christine’s adventurous spirit can be traced back to her early experiences with travel. In Grade 8, she participated in a French immersion exchange program, spending three weeks living in France. That experience opened her eyes to the wider world, igniting a lifelong love for travel. Europe remains her favourite destination — a place where art, culture, and history blend seamlessly with everyday life.
More recently, Christine has embraced new adventures closer to home as a member of Sarnia’s Cold-Water Plunge Community, where participants meet regularly to plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Huron. It’s another way she challenges herself, both physically and mentally, while sharing the journey with a supportive group of like-minded individuals.
Looking ahead, Christine plans to continue chasing sunrises, building connections, and discovering new dimensions of herself along the way. Whether she’s moderating online conversations, capturing the perfect sunset, or simply sharing a smile with someone across a restaurant table, Christine Coles is a reminder that community isn't just something we find — it’s something we create.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.