in to work

Why am I writing this journal about my job? Well, far too often I forget about the reasons why I love my job. The fun times, the quirky things and people I see every day, and the challenges faced and overcome. For better or worse the work we do helps define us. The successes and defeats we face at work are part of the adventure of our own lives. So for me, this journal is a way to record and reflect on my own adventure, and learn something about myself and others.

Let me set the stage, I teach in the Photography Department at Algonquin College. Algonquin, located in Ottawa, is a medium-sized college with a lot of heart, and that is what I love about the place. Like any large organization there are issues and things don't always run as smooth as we like but we try.

Working as an educator is hands down awesome!! One of my favourite things about teaching is every year we get a new group of students. They are always a motley crew, with many different personalities, needs, and ambitions. Engaging with them keeps you young. Listening and learning from them keeps you humble. Watching them really learn something, that aha moment, is addictive and very rewarding.

I also work with a quirky cast of characters, teachers, support staff and managers. Teachers are an interesting breed, the real ones teach because they love it. We do get paid well but the passionate teachers work for it. They love sharing and helping others to grow and develop. The support staff and managers at the college, the great ones, are the same they go out of their way to help students.

So the stage is set, let the play begin!!

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At Work is a journal of my adventures at work. These image(s) above were shot using the Olympus PEN-FT, read more about this amazing half-frame camera here.