Following the threads...

You never know when someone's going to change your life. Hand you an amazing new opportunity. See something in you that you don't even see in yourself.

Let me tell you a story.

On International Women's Day, March 8, 2007, I walked into the office of a woman named Paula Gouveia at Seneca College. She's chair of the School of English and Liberal Studies.

Paula is young, brilliant and very funny. With a stellar academic career.

I was hoping she might hire me to teach and somehow, we clicked. Our conversation was sparkling and engaging. 

Let me scroll back a bit.

A few weeks earlier, I had reunited after 39 years with George Scott, my first journalism teacher. I had graduated from Seneca in 1971 from a now-defunct program called Applied Communications Media. 

He's still there as an International Student Advisor. We had lunch about a month after I left my full-time senior reporting post at The Toronto Sun after 30 years. There had just been a major layoff, like the one this week, but not as bad. I couldn't work there anymore. The stress was killing me.

I admit, my decision to leave was a little impulsive. I thought I could make a living by freelance writing. I quickly discovered most magazines were a very hard sell and didn't pay enough to support me and my family. Top price, if you're lucky? $2 a word. 

So, though I had a few assignments, I was "on the market."  I just had no idea what market. At lunch, George said, "You should be teaching here." This was a bolt out of the blue. I taught journalism at Humber College, years ago. I guest taught at Centennial College once a term for a friend. For four years, I taught at the Learning Annex.

What could I possibly teach at Seneca, where there's no print journalism course? Mainly broadcast. I had loads of radio experience, so George said he'd shop my resume around. Of the four different chairs who received it, only Paula responded. She heads the school that offers all the electives offered at Seneca. 

I believe in following the threads. No matter what. You never know where they're going to take you.

So, on that dreary March afternoon, for some reason, Paula offered me a teaching position. On the spot. After one hour. Not in journalism, but the second half of a Women's Studies course in July and August. Three hours a week for seven weeks. 

I couldn't believe it. It wasn't a living, but it was a start. Paula saw potential in me, I never dreamed I had.

I should explain that during my tenure at The Sun, I wrote almost exclusively about women. I created a column in 1980 called Women on the Move. Each week, I profiled women in all walks of life and celebrated their achievements. I interviewed many of the leading feminists of the day. The late, great Laura Sabia, a leading Canadian feminist, was a columnist in my section. I interviewed Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, who "ignited" The Second Wave of the contemporary Women's Movement with her book The Feminine Mystique. When I think about all the women I interviewed, it amazes me.

Bella Abzug (in person), Camille Paglia, Naomi Wolf, Ms. Magazine founders Letty Cottin Pogrebin and Robin Morgan, Susan Faludi, Susan Brownmiller, plus dozens of outstanding Canadian women, Marilou McPhedran, Marcia McClung, Helen Lucas, to name a few, all change-makers, activists who dedicate their lives to women's rights. 

Also, while working full time, I did graduate work in Women's Studies at York University during the 1990s "for the pure interest of it, for fun," although I never completed my M.A.

When I got home after that interview, an email from Paula was waiting:

"It was a great pleasure meeting you this afternoon. I had been feeling a little down before you arrived but believe me, I was feeling completely energized after you left and I credit that to your words of wisdom."

My "words of wisdom"? Our interview was magical. I felt it, too. 

Paula has vision and courage. She knew my mental health history. I never keep it a secret. Yet she saw beyond it and gave me a chance to prove myself, just as The Toronto Sun did in June 1977. There's no greater gift than someone taking a chance on you. Offering you new opportunities to grow and develop.

Paula has unfailing patience, too. I've made every mistake in the book. During the last 18 months, she's taught me lessons I will never forget. 

Teaching is learning. You don't just walk into a classroom and become a teacher. She taught me how, in a myriad of ways. It was hard going, at times, but her door was always open.

And I loved it.

During the summer of 2007, Paula asked me to teach the whole "Women in Canada" course that fall. And in November 2007, she asked me to develop a new course called "Leadership in Society" — to teach students the value of giving back to the community to "make a difference for the greater good." 

This past fall, I also taught a course called "Success Strategies for College," a required course for all incoming business students.

Several weeks ago, Paula announced she is leaving Seneca to become Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Humber College. A wonderful move for her. I know Humber's gain is our profound loss. 

After 10 years at Seneca, and four short years as chair, she's engendered a wonderful spirit of warmth and support in our department. I will never forget all her life lessons. And the laughs we shared, too. 

For so many of you looking for new jobs, follow the threads. Be hopeful and stay positive. Attitude is everything. Be willing to try something new. You never know what opportunities lie ahead of you. Who will see potential in you that you don't see. What vision they will have. 

And Paula, I wish you all the best in your new post as Dean. You are the most efficient administrator I've ever met, another one of your many gifts. Humber will love you, with your sparkle, your brilliance, your endless ideas and most of all, your vision.

 

Thank you for taking a chance on me. For handing me a new life. A new thread. I'll never forget you! 

All the best.

Comments

[Sonia]

Hello Sandy & Paula,

It seems the universe was smiling on IWD 2007 ... may you feel the radiance for a long time to come as you both explore new career paths.

Congratulations to you both,

Sonia

[Sandy Naiman]

Hi Sonia,

Thank you for your kind and good wishes. I think the universe will continue to shine here, certainly because of you. I cannot tell you how much your insights and support buoy me on. Your comments mean a great deal to me and, indeed, I think to everyone who visits.

You're a great friend.

Take care.
Sandy