Library Techniques, Research Techniques
Graduation Year: 1977, 1978
In 1969, I was a single parent with three young children; supply teaching and working evenings and weekends in a Burlington department store. It was a challenging period but I somehow knew there had to be more to my life.
After six years of teaching, I decided to go back to the classroom as a mature student. My experience at Sheridan was a time of self-discovery and I found that I was not alone on life’s journey. I almost gave up after the first term as my learning curve was painfully slow! At that time, the Sheridan Women’s Centre, headed by Shelagh Wilkinson, was a helpful and welcome resource. In spite of the lack of funds and other roadblocks, I graduated from the Library Techniques program and completed the two-year Research Techniques program in one year.
My education at Sheridan was immediately transferable and I went on to a broad-based career in library science with a variety of educational institutions, including the Toronto Public Library System and McMaster University.
However, the classroom was calling and in 1989 I accepted a position teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) for the Peel Board of Education. Working with new immigrants was challenging but I felt I had a wealth of experience to offer.
In 1993, I created a Resource Centre for ESL teachers in Peel Region’s Adult Education Centre with no funds or staff. After soliciting donations of books and organizing a group of student volunteers, I saw the Resource Centre grow quickly. My goal was to make the centre the heartbeat of the organization where teachers would share their resources and experiences. Many of the students and volunteers had experienced conflict in their countries and it was evident that they appreciated a safe learning environment. Although I retired in 1996, I remain in contact with several students and colleagues.
My experience at Sheridan contributed a great deal to my professional development and in turn has influenced the lives of others, rather like a relay race when you pass the torch of your life experiences to the next generation. My heartfelt thanks to Sheridan for making it happen!