At Work #0003

mr. b

We celebrated Bowie's retirement at the Grad Show this year, we knew he was retiring for over a year, but it has finally hit home. Bowie helped me print a client order this week at work and when he left then it hit me. It is sad to see him go, I have worked with Bowie for over ten years and I love the man. He has been a mentor, a teacher and a good friend and I will miss him. His bad puns and his great sense of humour was always appreciated. Everyone seemed to know him too.

Funny Bowie story, one day I got picked up by a courtesy shuttle to get my car at the dealership service centre. The driver was very friendly we talked and he asked me where I worked, I said the Photography Program at Algonquin. His response, o you must know Michael Bowie. Classic Bowie moment, which happens often. The man seems to know everyone, he was even the first person to tell me my sister's brother-in-law passed away. Neither of them lives in Ottawa by the way so he seems to know everyone everywhere.

Bowie, you are already missed I wish you all the best on your next adventure.

____________

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.

At Work #0002

two heads are better than one

Well for a year we are losing Denine, she is on a sabbatical. She and I have worked co-coordinating the Photography Program since Garry Carter left. Our personalities work well together, we don't always see eye to eye (mostly because she is shorter than I am), but the partnership works well. I wish her the best on her sabbatical she deserves the break. Follow her year-long adventure at deninewrixon.com.

This upcoming year I will be co-coordinating with Professor Tracy Byers Reid. I am looking forward to working with her in this role, change is always good as it encourages growth. I plan on changing it up even more next year and stepping down as Coordinator upon Denine's return. Working as a Coordinator has been fun but rotating the position benefits everyone. As a Coordinator, you gain a wider perspective of the college and its workings, which in the end benefits the students. Also after dealing with the administrative end of things you need a break.

By the way, Garry Carter does have a Youtube Channel, Garden to Kitchen. Which I love to watch, he posts often, and his gardening tips are awesome. He is such a quirky unique person who I am so happy to know.

____________

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.

At Work #0001

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!!

____________

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.