September 2017 Editor’s Fix

Growing up, we always discussed as a family what we wanted to do when we were older. For a long time, I wanted to be a paediatrician. I liked the idea of working with kids. Then, as I got into the piano I was very interested in pursuing musical arts.

My dad is an engineer, and he came from a blue-collar family. They always recognized specific occupations… doctors, lawyers, engineers. So, this interest in the arts was a little hard for him to wrap his head around.

Later in high school, I began to really enjoy writing and my teachers encouraged me to continue post secondary. But, I also wanted to make my family proud. I decided to attend the University of Victoria, with the goal of entering the Engineering program. After my first semester, I quickly realized that the right thing for me was English Literature. Not only did I enjoy it, it felt right. We just clicked.

Although my parents were proud of me, they couldn’t help but wonder what I would do with a BA in English Literature. I wouldn’t even have questioned continuing with a Masters, but they made me think. What would I do? Would I enjoy being a professor? So, I had a tough decision to make. After a year off, I was accepted into an MBA program… and it surprised me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and focused my studies on Entrepreneurship and Strategy.

Once again, I graduated and had no clue as to what I would do with this mix of education. I never in a million years anticipated that I would actually use both degrees, and it never dawned on me until a few years into starting the Fix with Vanessa that I do just this. And it was my parents who pointed it out to me.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this time in life and all of the important choices that are made, because of friends whose kids are at this same point. And it’s really interesting to hear their perspectives and also those of their children. Some are deciding to travel, some heading straight to school, and others still unsure what they want. Honestly, I don’t have the answers. Everyone has to make their own decisions and find their own path. But I
do know that we shouldn’t be terrified of the unknown. As long as we’re following a path that we connect with and taking the time to really consider the factors and listen to those closest to us, we will get where we’re supposed to go.

Looking back, I am happy with the choices I made. Maybe I didn’t do exactly what my parents were hoping along the way, and maybe it took me awhile to get here, but here I am and I couldn’t be more
grateful to have a job I love, in a town I love, raising a family I love. And I’m sure there are a lot of people better off for me not having pursued a career in medicine…Good luck to those heading back to school, in whatever shape or form, and to those considering their next path. We hope this edition helps you along the way.