I am a writer at heart. A quiet and reflective soul with a slight propensity for mischief, I do my best thinking through the process of writing. Friends and clients often ask me for wordsmithing help – it comes with ease, usually when my hands are on the keyboard. Writing has always been a passion… eventually, I made it my profession. It’s been a long journey – here’s my story.
My Writing Journey
My family moves to Nigeria where I attend a British private school – it is no joke. I am young, but I interview with the school’s headmaster, answering a slew of questions. Success! I’m in and soaking up meticulous spelling, grammar, and proper British pronunciation.
I’m back in Canada and these are influential years. Story writing is a big part of the curriculum and my stories have everyone in stitches. I’m a clown, albeit a quiet one. I’m thriving, greatly encouraged by my teachers.
I’m wielding my writing ability for illegitimate purposes, including carefully extracted quotes and thoughtful analysis in my book reports and essays, without reading the material. I’m good! Some of them are “A” worthy. On graduation, I receive the award for highest mark in English/English Literature and a small financial bursary.
It’s time to put writing aside… I mean who earns a living writing? Of course, a business degree makes so much more sense! I complete a Bachelor of Commerce Degree but it isn’t fun. Correction… I am not enjoying the studies but having a lot of fun otherwise!
I trade a job in Accounting for a career in Learning and Development, beginning as a trainer and quickly moving into training management. Although it isn’t a prominent part of my role, I’m often asked to write RFP responses and training documentation. Later, at another organization, I delve further into developing training content, becoming an instructional designer.
By now, I’ve completed formal studies in Learning and Development and held a few roles within the field. I’ve worn the management hat a few times but realize that I am a creative person at heart and want to get back to the hands on work I enjoy most. I feel stuck.
I know myself better now and ego tucked away, I decide to indulge a skill I developed earlier in my career – instructional design. It involves writing… we’re getting closer! I begin freelancing, almost by accident, and love it!
I partner with a high school teacher in designing an Intro. to Business course. A large component of the course focuses on Entrepreneurship. The content describes me to a tee, there it is staring at me in writing. I’ve wrestled with the idea of returning to regular employment and I now know beyond doubt that self-employment is my only option.
My mother presents me with a box of childhood memorabilia she’s found while preparing for a move. In it are my report cards from grade school through high school. Amused, I read them all. I’m teary-eyed, drawn to one that suggests that I’m a talented writer and expresses hope that I do something with my skill. I’ve been fighting it for years but isn’t it remarkable how we ultimately arrive at who we really are?
I’ve designed eLearning courses for a few years now and I see potential beyond fitting content into a box or screen. I want to set content free! I’m brimming with creative ideas. It keeps me awake at night. I’m excited to dive more fully into digital storytelling, partnering with organizations who have something important to say… I’d especially like to work with organizations that serve people in need. It might be all I can do to help, but, it’s time to tell your stories!