The character played by Wendy Hiller in the film, I Know Where I'm Going, is a funny reminder of how things do not always go according to plan. She was going to Scotland to marry a nice wealthy man, settle down on his estate, and be a good wife. The wedding was arranged well in advance. But along the way, a series of unexpected twists and turns leads her to marry another man and settle into a life she had not planned for.
I like to think I know where I am going. But never did I ever imagine that one day I would be living in Prague and teaching English. I disliked grammar when I was in school, I only read the books required of me to write essays, and I never had the money or inclination to travel abroad.
But in 1989, after finishing my BA, I decided to visit the UK on a working-holiday. I liked what I saw. It was so different from my Canadian upbringing and values. I liked it enough to return to the UK in 1995 after finishing my MSW degree. When my social work position ended, I returned to Canada. Rather than struggle on social benefits, I took the opportunity to live and work in The Czech Republic. During these periods out of Canada, I travelled when I could to learn more about the world and the people around me. Here's a story I wrote when I was living in Prague: Ridin' the Rails and Learnin' Czech.
In 1981, when I finished secondary school, I went to college to study computer programming with dreams of a financially rewarding career. Well, I never had that financially rewarding career. However, in my journey from computer programming to being a student nurse, I discovered more about myself and life in general than I ever thought possible. Yes, I led the good life. But I treasure the experiences I have had. Through travel, teaching, social work with children and families, counselling, general clerical work, and, now, nursing I have discovered I am flexible, adaptable, and eager to learn more about others. I can achieve goals when I really want to.
On a personal level, I want to continue developing as a whole person. I want to know myself better and become more confident, sure of myself. On a professional level, I want to help others achieve their goals. I want to help nuture values of justice and fairness for all. |
