I’m pleased to introduce Ellen Kelly as my first guest blogger. Ellen is a long-time friend and a columnist for Airdrie Life magazine. With many publications to her credit, she has been twice short-listed for the John Whyte Memorial Essay Prize, sponsored by the Writers Guild of Alberta. A member of the WGA, she is also a founding member of Airdrie Regional Arts Society (ARTS). At the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, Calgary, she is a valued member, volunteer and instructor. This spring, she is teaching the eight-week workshop “Our Own Stories: Personal Essays with Public Appeal.” For more information, check out the AWCS website. And enjoy more of Ellen’s writing at her blog http://aekwordgoddess.blogspot.
SERENDIPITY: A WRITER’S JOURNEY
by Ellen Kelly
In elementary school during the 1950s, if someone asked me what I wanted to become when I grew up, I probably would have said teacher, nurse or secretary – very limited choices for young ladies of the day. However, those were acceptable vocations for girls born after the Second World War, the first of the baby boomers who were joining a somewhat unfriendly workforce.
Careers in what were then considered masculine professions were either unattainable or frowned upon. Even becoming a writer was a stretch. So, how did I get from that point in elementary school to where I am today?
Serendipity – things fall into place. I’d always kept a journal and written stories; English was my favourite subject, but in the ‘60s (yes, I remember them and the ‘70s), I expressed my creativity in other ways – fibre arts, ceramics, raising children. Then someone asked me if I’d write a community column for the weekly newspaper.
The writer in me was born. Off I went in a brand new direction towards a destination not yet reached. My journey was filled with courses (many of them taken through the BA program at Athabasca University), seminars, the WGA retreat in Banff, mentorships and participation in writing groups. Somehow, the journey made me realize how important it is to never stop seeking, never stop learning.
As happens more today than at any other time in history, we need to be open to change. Occupations that were popular twenty years ago have become obsolete; occupations that thrive today will change evolve or disappear in the next twenty years. Whereas once our IQ (intelligence quotient) was a high priority, more attention is now given to our AQ (adaptability quotient). Adapting requires both a willingness to change and the resources to make it possible. Many post-secondary institutions have extension courses and distance learning programs that make change an option for adults with full-time jobs and families. Employers often encourage their staff to seek answers, take courses and grow professionally. Those unable to adjust to the changing times risk being left out. Lifelong learning is no longer a luxury. It has become a necessity.
Can't Quit Learning 