Anniversaries

10 years. They pass in a flash. Or is it time that compresses in retrospect to present that illusion? I think it is mostly the latter. Those were long and difficult journeys.

 

September 26th, 2002 was a very special day; I know that now.

After ruminating for a long time, and taking inspiration from many, I had finally decided to go to the York University Information Night for the Faculty of Education. I did not drive, I barely took public transit. In spite of my admirable fluency in the socially dominant language in my new home (Ahem, English: this is my attempt to activate academic language at 5 am, just to prove that coffee works magic after 4 hours of sleep), I was apprehensive.

I was going to a university in Canada to get information for my next steps.

I did not know who I would meet, what I would ask, what they would tell me.

I was well into my third decade and I had a dream...

 

I wanted to go back to pick up the dropped thread of my former career: I wanted to take from my corporate experience the job skills that would help me find work and 'settle' into my new life. After my long break from paid work ( thank you Drs. G and S for that lens), I was not ready to move back into juggling multiple roles. I was mindful of the monetary needs of the future and I wanted to do something about it with a field I loved.

 

I took a bus from right outside my street and went to Finch Station. From there, I took a crowded 60F. As the bus turned the corner into a tree lined boulevard, I was aware that this was a special place. Ahead of me lay a yellow domed building. I got off the bus and asking some younger people where to go, I made my way to a lecture hall, the fragrance of pizza wafting around me.

 

In true keener style, I took a seat in the front row. The lecture hall filled soon and a woman entered.

She spoke of the facts: the degree requirements from other universities, transcripts, letters of recommendation and spaces available for the programme. Numbers are frightening at such times: Over 7000 people apply, of these we shortlist 1500 and admit 750 people she said.

 

Then she said something that I will forever carry in my consciousness: "Do not limit yourself by thinking about other people's qualifications", she advised. " Just put together all you need to submit and do what you have to do. Do not feel intimidated by what you think is in your way. You don't know what the application pool is like."

 

And I did. Apply that is. It was not easy, many helped. My siblings who made countless trips to the university to coordinate the long process of transcript aquisition are the first in my gratitude list. They have always been my lifeline and they still tease me that had I done it right the first time, I wouldn't still be going to school. Cheeky but oh so dear !

 

I applied, and yesterday, 10 years after that day, I stood on that hallowed ground and spoke of Rethinking Urban Spaces. I stood on land the gift of which has not been acknowledged by everyone who walks it.

 

Yet I know that to be there, in that space, on that land is a privilege. I thank all who walked with me and who nudged me to take one more step. Through that one step and the encouragement of that one woman, I have found my life's work. I have met her this summer to thank her and miraculous, or shall I say by strong spiritual connection, I was in the same space that day when she mentioned she was moving to another area of work in the university. And I wished her well, knowing she would go on to touch lives just as meaningfully.

 

This, was the turning point in my life. This day, ten years ago was the milestone that marked perhaps one of the first points of my journey. There are two more I can think of, but those are other stories for another 5 am tryst with memories.

 

Today I am blessed with many brothers and sisters who nurture my spirit in this journey. And I have many Gurus who touch my life with their magic.

 

I keep walking...