My Journey to Orillia

We drove a little bit late at night. I had been to this place called Orillia before, but it was about ten years ago. I didn’t remember much about it, other than it was beautiful.

Here we were on the road, and there was not much we could see, except a signal on the highway that said “beware of cattle”. We thought it was funny.  By the time we arrived at the hotel, it was almost midnight. I went straight to bed. We had to wake up early in the morning as breakfast was scheduled to be served a six O’clock. There was no way I was going to miss out.‎

You may be wondering what was happening in Orillia. I am glad you asked.

A number of months ago, Paul, my business partner, got this brilliant idea, and once he shared it with me I was totally on board. He realized that for us to do what we wanted to do, we must work with partners. These may be service providers, or simply other business owners with goals similar to ours.

Paul decided to go out and attend different networking events in the city. I can tell you that he met quality people, and I am glad we have them as our partners. One of them is Chris, an amazing guy with an incredible story. I was so inspired when he shared his story with us. Chris has created a company called INSPIRED INITIATIVES, and he is doing a great work with youth and their education.

Chris invited us to be part of his team responsible for delivering a series of trainings on behalf of the Ministry of Education. These trainings are happening in Orillia this week and next. That is the reason why I was there. I am going back there twice in the next few days. Now you know.

This place is simply gorgeous. It is in the woods near a lake and I couldn’t stop taking pictures during our breaks. We had about 160 students. Needless to say, we had a very busy work day. Chris led most of the training, and I was simply amazed to be part of this. I learned so much, and what the students created at the end of the training sessions were out of this world. Many of them discovered their passions and they were so happy about it.

One of the students came to me after the training and asked me: “What did you want to do after high school? Did you know what would be your career?” I said to her that I did not know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew that my interests were around Basketball.  I pursued those interests and I found my career. I asked her what were her interests and she told me that she loved art. After I asked her a few questions, she knew exactly what she was wanted to do after high school.‎

I am really looking forward to the next sessions. I learned so much the last time; I am wondering what new thing I will learn this time. Thank you Chris for making us part of your journey.  Find your interests and a career may be born out of them. That is what Chris reminded me of in Orillia. 

Moral of the story? Do you want to find a new career for yourself? Just go to Orillia and you will meet cattle on the street.

 

Always a pleasure

Patrick

The Journeyman