VOL 4 ISSUE 2 FALL 2013
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EDUCATION AT AN ELEVATION12 A MATCH MADE AT MHC02 Q&A WITH STEPHEN FINNAGAN06 LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON08
Volume 4 Issue 2
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College Advancement Medicine Hat College 299 College Drive S.E. Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6
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PUBLISHER Mark Keller mkeller@mhc.ab.ca EDITOR/CONTENT Rose Paulgaard rpaulgaard@mhc.ab.ca DESIGN/LAYOUT Tammy Rarick trarick@mhc.ab.ca PHOTOGRAPHY Submitted Photography (credited) CIRCULATION/ CHANGE OF ADDRESS Contact College Advancement at 403.504.3667 or via email at alumni@mhc.ab.ca to notify a change of address or to remove your name from our mailing list.
MANDATE Real people. Real stories. Real life. Our mandate for real is to share news and information about the people—students, alumni, employees, and supporters—who make Medicine Hat College a vibrant place to learn and grow. This focus on the ambitions and accomplishments of people is core to the nature of the college and the publication. real will be produced in the spring and fall. To join our mailing list, contact College Advancement at 403.504.3667 or alumni@mhc.ab.ca. The editor reserves the right to limit, select, edit and position submitted copy. Views expressed in real do not necessarily reflect college policy. real content may be printed with acknowledgement.
While I wouldn’t normally call myself an optimist, I’m feeling like one lately despite the circumstances MHC has faced in recent months. We’ve sustained significant budget cuts, a change in leadership and an audit of our international programming overseas. More challenges lay ahead as we continue to address a new fiscal reality and expectations of government, welcome a new president in the coming year and reevaluate our processes to ensure the highest quality of education is provided, regardless of where our students are served. Change is never easy but I’m confident we can do it. When I look around and see how people bring the very best of themselves to work every day and demonstrate their commitment to students, I am reminded how very fortunate I am to work at MHC. It’s sometimes easy to get discouraged by adversity, but for me, hope is restored when I start writing about our people and their experiences. People like Marsha Johnson and her son Russell, who was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer shortly after he started at MHC last fall [pg 08]. Or David Humphrey and Aaron Hoimyr, leaders of the Enactus group at MHC, who are committed to improving lives through entrepreneurship on a local, and maybe one day, global scale [pg 21]. Even sharing in the memories of ecotourism students as they trekked the remote wilderness of the Peruvian Andes [pg 12] served as a reminder of what’s important. Difficult times will come and go. How we work together to overcome them is what defines us. Or in the words of Marsha Johnson, “Sometimes bad things happen. You find out who you are [when times are tough] and what you can be through it.” Words to live by.
Rose Paulgaard, Editor
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF RUSSEL KRASNUIK. ABBY CZIBERE AND HOLLY KRASNUIK TAKE IN THE WONDER OF MACHU PICCHU, PERU.
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A MATCH MADE AT MHC
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Q & A WITH STEPHEN FINNAGAN
08
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON
12
EDUCATION AT AN ELEVATION
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3D PRINTER REVOLUTIONIZES LEARNING AT MHC
04 MHC: A FAMILY AFFAIR 10 TOP 10 REASONS TO LIVE IN RES 20 ALUMNI PROFILE: STEPHANIE NOWACZYK 21 MHC STUDENTS INSPIRED AT ENACTUS WORLD CUP 22 MEET THE DEN MOTHER 24 THE BOOKSTORE GIFT GUIDE
IT’S A DATE CHALLIS ELKINK [MIDDLE] MEETS WITH MICHELLE AMOS, HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR [LEFT], AND VINCE CROWLEY, CHIEF POWER ENGINEER [RIGHT], OF CF INDUSTRIES INC.
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A Match Made at MHC “THIS SCHOLARSHIP HAS GIVEN ME THE FREEDOM TO FOCUS ON SCHOOL AND WILL GIVE ME FREEDOM ONCE I’M DONE THE PROGRAM TO NOT WORRY ABOUT DEBT. WHAT A BLESSING.”
C
hallis Elkink and CF Industries Inc. (CF) were a perfect match. She was a mature student looking for new challenges in a different industry. They were looking to support the education and training of future power engineers. It was a match made at MHC.
receiving those awards because she was getting a full ride from CF. I felt like Ed McMahon,” said Kerslake with a laugh, adding the scholarship is worth over $18,000.
The foundation office at the college set the two of them up, so to speak. Development officers worked with CF, a long-time supporter of MHC, to establish what their goals were for their donation and provided a variety of opportunities for the local manufacturing facility.
“I was freaking out. I’m not one to cry easily but I totally burst into tears. It was just so unexpected,” said Elkink, whose tears were quickly followed by some dancing around her office.
“Following extensive data analysis in conjunction with discussions with Alberta Boiler Safety Association and Medicine Hat College, we have undertaken an approach to encourage under-represented groups to consider power engineering as a career,” said Michelle Amos, human resources coordinator at CF. “We are proud of our continuing partnership with Medicine Hat College and many of its programs.”
The reaction that followed was worth it.
offer their support to those who are new to the program and there is a real team atmosphere and sense of community. As one of only a few females in the program, Elkink is impressed by CF’s support of women in the industry and their actions to encourage more participation. “I’m excited to be part of it.” Interested in making your match at MHC? Contact Jennifer Kerslake at 403.529.3897.
“This scholarship has given me the freedom to focus on school and will give me freedom once I’m done the program to not worry about debt. What a blessing.” Elkink grew up on a ranch near Swift Current, SK before moving to Medicine Hat at the age of 10. Despite returning to Saskatchewan for high school and university where she earned a commerce degree at the University of Saskatchewan, she has always seen Medicine Hat as her home base and is happy to be back.
At MHC, it’s about more than just fundraising. It’s about building relationships in the community that benefit students, said Jennifer Kerslake, community relations officer for the college. “It genuinely is the best part of my job. I’m part of a team that can literally change somebody’s future.”
Looking for a change from her marketing and sales background, Elkink started to explore what opportunities were available in more ‘hands-on’ industries. She decided power engineering would be a good fit for her and briefly considered a move to Calgary or Edmonton to continue her education.
Making the phone call to Elkink to let her know she was the lucky recipient made Kerslake’s day, maybe even her year. She started the conversation with Elkink by saying she had some bad news and some good news.
“Then I recognized what an awesome program is here at Medicine Hat College,” said Elkink of her decision to stay. “It’s very well-known and the instructors offer lots of industry insight. They really care that you know what you’re learning.”
“I told her that she was no longer eligible for the previous scholarships she had been awarded. Then I told her she wouldn’t be
She has also been impressed by the level of encouragement among students, stating second-year students are quick to
NAME: Challis Elkink SEEKING: New career opportunity INTERESTS: Reading, travelling golfing, snowboarding, volunteering, skeet shooting
NAME: CF Industries Inc. SEEKING: Skilled workforce INTERESTS: Manufacturing nitrogen fertilizer, supporting agriculture in Canada and the United States, giving back to the community of Medicine Hat real3
VAL AND JOHN HUGHES
DEGREES OFFERED ON CAMPUS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COMMERCE COMMUNICATION STUDIES CRIMINAL JUSTICE ECOTOURISM AND OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP EDUCATION HUMAN SERVICES NURSING PARAMEDIC SOCIAL WORK UT VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
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MHC: a Family Affair T
ake it from John and Val Hughes, Medicine Hat College is a great place to start an education. Education, math, medicine, law, science, social work. All six children in the Hughes family have gone on to pursue higher education and professional careers and all six got their start at MHC. Two of their children were named Student of the Year at the college’s annual convocation celebration. Some even met their future husbands and wives here. John and Val moved to Medicine Hat 26 years ago and it was a decision they’ve never regretted. John was a solicitor with the City of Medicine Hat for 25 years before retiring recently and Val is a teacher at Crestwood School. Education played an important role in both of their lives and the value of it has been instilled in their own children. “Education was always a mindset in our family,” said Val. “It was a real benefit and blessing to our family that MHC is here.” Their eldest daughter, Jennifer, took two years at MHC where she met her future husband, Wade, a student in the business administration program. She transferred to Edmonton to finish a social work degree that was offered there on a University of Calgary (U of C) satellite campus. The couple has since returned to Medicine Hat to raise their family. Her brother, Jeffrey, did two years at the college before completing a science degree at the U of C and a medical degree at the University of Alberta (U of A). He also met his spouse, Maria, at MHC who took two years of nursing at the college. The couple now resides in Taber with their four children. Next came Mark, who spent two years at MHC and was named Student of the Year in 2004. He went on to earn a
science degree at the U of C and master’s degree from the University of Waterloo. He currently lives in New York with his wife and two children and is working on a doctorate degree at State University New York on Long Island. Adam, now a high school math teacher, football coach and MHC billboard celebrity, spent a semester at the college before transferring to the University of Lethbridge where he completed degrees in science and education. He lives with his wife and two children in Taber.
“EDUCATION WAS ALWAYS A MINDSET IN OUR FAMILY.” John and Val’s youngest daughter, Sarah, took one year at MHC before heading to Edmonton to follow in her dad’s footsteps. She received early admission into the faculty of law at the U of A and now works as a lawyer for the City of Edmonton. Last but not least, little brother Ben spent two years here and was also named Student of the Year in 2009. He recently married and is currently pursuing degrees in science and math at the U of A. As the parents of six children with big plans for the future, the opportunity for their kids to start degree programs at MHC was a big advantage. Not only was it more cost effective, the smaller classes, personal relationships with instructors, and ongoing support better prepared them for other institutions, said John.
For her own children, making the move to university was less traumatic. MHC provided good transitions from high school to college and the transfer process to university was generally smooth. “The fact that their marks continued to be similar at the university level would suggest the quality of education and standards and rigor at MHC were equivalent to that of a university,” said John, who completed his own schooling at the U of A. Not only did MHC help their children with the transition to university, it helped them as parents too. “I wasn’t ready for my kids to fly the coop as soon as they finished high school,” said Val. “MHC gave them independence and a good base for their education.” “I think it’s an option that every parent and high school student should think about – how MHC can fit into their plans,” added John, noting that MHC covers the gamut of education from liberal arts to apprenticeship with more and more disciplines offering degrees. While he’s proud of what his children have accomplished, he joked that it would have been nice if one of them had taken advantage of the apprenticeship training so they’d have someone in the family qualified for home repairs. The experiences their kids had at MHC are still talked about in the Hughes household. Good friends and good instructors equalled lots of good memories. “They loved the college,” said Val.
Val, who is originally from Stirling, Alberta, remembered the transition from her small hometown to Edmonton as being much tougher.
For more information about university transfer or degree programs, please visit www.mhc.ab.ca.
“Everything was such a culture shock for me. Big city, big classes, big expectations. I remember being very overwhelmed.” real5
PHOTO COURTESY OF RORY MAHONY
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STEPHEN FINNAGAN HAILS FROM OTTAWA AND HAS 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE EDUCATION FIELD AT ALGONQUIN COLLEGE WHICH IS COMPLEMENTED BY HIS PRIOR BUSINESS BACKGROUND. HE STARTED HIS POST-SECONDARY CAREER AS A PROGRAM COORDINATOR AND LATER MANAGED ALGONQUIN’S TECHNOLOGY AND TRADES DIVISION. STEPHEN HAS WORKED EXTENSIVELY IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND JOINT VENTURES WITH BUSINESSES AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THROUGHOUT CANADA AND AROUND THE WORLD. HE HOLDS A MBA FROM THE QUEEN’S SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND IS CURRENTLY PURSUING A DOCTORATE AT THE EDINBURGH BUSINESS SCHOOL WHERE HE IS EMBARKING ON RESEARCH RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES IN EDUCATION.
Q Q. What attracted you to MHC?
What was your first impression when you arrived in Medicine Hat?
From the beginning I felt a great connection with MHC from the new structure that was being formed that aligned perfectly with my career experiences, goals and education. My first impressions of Medicine Hat were quite acute and have left me with a lasting impression of a community, including the college community, that is caring, friendly, courteous, welcoming and most importantly, involved.
Q. What are some of the challenges and opportunities you plan to address as dean?
The challenges include the completion of the restructuring and bringing together of the different facets of the division into one coherent unit that realizes the full benefits of the natural synergies. There will be challenges in responding effectively to continued government funding pressures, and assisting the college in the establishment of a new strategic and business plan. There are continued opportunities to meet the needs of the business community and the learning and employability needs of our students. There also exists untold benefits associated with applied research and the growth opportunities associated with the entrepreneurial centre. We have the opportunity to establish protocols for expanding continuing studies to include a contract training unit and to continue working towards a virtual training platform that attracts a more diversified cohort of learners and revenue source.
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with Stephen Finnagan
Q. What does leadership look like to you?
To me, leadership is being the person that helps others reach their full potential by first helping them to commit to themselves and to truly enjoy what they are striving for and then supporting them so that they realize those goals. A true leader ensures that an organization identifies what it needs to achieve, and equally importantly, what it can achieve as a collective and then ensure that all actions are aligned to meet those goals.
Q. You worked in Saudi Arabia prior
to joining MHC. What were some highlights from your time overseas?
Professional highlights include introducing our relatively foreign education model into an extremely closed society and autocratically influenced educational system that opposed every attempt to change. We persevered through collaborative, diplomatic and negotiated efforts until we eventually won the respect and acceptance of our critics to the point where they had to admit to the benefits of our approach and further set-up our model in direct competition with their own. The outcome is that they have adopted the model and are facilitating the introduction of the new model into a total of 36 colleges, for both men and women, throughout the country. I felt a great deal of pride presenting a Canadian perspective on education and working with other cultures.
DEAN OF BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE
Q. What did you find most rewarding
about working in a different country and culture? Most challenging?
Most rewarding is that no matter where you go in the world you will always find that the vast majority of people all want basically the same things out of life. Once you see beyond the different traditions and physical surroundings, people are as excited and anxious to meet you as you are to meet them. The biggest challenge is learning how to anticipate different responses and actions of people in other cultures from eating to opening gifts to driving. The rewards are plentiful and include the opportunity to move about entire regions in areas that most tourists would never have the chance to experience and see the impact that you make on the students and the entire region.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have six grandchildren, I’m often mistaken for Tom Hanks, I had a foot diameter ‘afro’ style haircut in the seventies. I also set and review electrical standards on the Canadian Electrical Code.
Q. Who or what inspires you? Those individuals who constantly and consistently strive to help others to learn and achieve success, namely teachers. real7
Like Mother, Like Son “MY LOVE, MY JOY IN LIFE WAS BEING THERE WITH MY KIDS AT THE CROSSROADS, FOR ALL THE FIRSTS. I’VE TREASURED THOSE YEARS.” RUSSELL AND MARSHA JOHNSON
With seven children growing up in the Johnson household, there was never a dull moment. A typical morning for mom Marsha starts at 6 a.m. with breakfast and family scripture reading before everyone disperses for the day. Her husband, Byron, and their two teenage daughters are the first to leave the house to attend an early morning class before the school day starts for the girls at Medicine Hat High School. Her son is next, catching the bus to Alexandria Middle School at 7:30 a.m. with her 9-year-old close behind, hopping on her bus to Crestwood School. Her third oldest, Russell, leaves for Medicine Hat College around 8 a.m. where he’s enrolled in his first year of engineering. Marsha is the last one out the door after doing the dishes and a quick review of what she needs to accomplish for the day before heading to MHC where she is also a student in her final year of the education degree program. real8
While it might seem complicated managing that many people and schedules, it’s what the Johnsons call normal. “There’s always something to do and someone to do it with,” said Russell who wouldn’t have it any other way.
“WHEN I DECIDED TO COME BACK TO SCHOOL, I MADE A DETERMINED CHOICE THAT ALL THROUGH THOSE YEARS MY FIRST PRIORITY WAS MY FAMILY AND THEY STILL HAD TO BE NUMBER ONE.” The family moved to Medicine Hat five years ago after living in Kingston, Ontario for 11 years and Edmonton and Lethbridge prior to that. Marsha enrolled in an education program in Lethbridge
before getting married but her rapidly expanding family was always her number one priority. “My love, my joy in life was being there with my kids at the crossroads, for all the firsts,” said Marsha. “I’ve treasured those years.” But when the family relocated, Marsha realized the opportunity to finish her degree was right here in Medicine Hat. Much of her previous education transferred to the program offered at MHC through the University of Alberta (U of A) and she completed courses on a part-time basis for a couple of years. With her youngest child now in school, the time was right last fall for Marsha to return to the classroom and finish what she started. “It was intimidating going back to school after all those years but at the same time exhilarating to think again at a different level. I had other problem solving skills,” she said with a laugh.
“When I decided to come back to school, I made a determined choice that all through those years my first priority was my family and they still had to be number one. I still needed to be in thick of things,” she said. Now in her fourth year, she continues to do her homework at the kitchen table alongside her children which can sometimes be a challenge. But, as Russell puts it, the bigger challenge would be for her to get out of the presence of family in their house. While Russell’s primary focus in high school had been playing rugby, and staying eligible to play rugby, he had always been strong in math and sciences so engineering was a good fit for him. The decision to start his degree at MHC before transferring to the U of A made sense for the family, even if their reasons differed. “We like having him around,” said Marsha fondly. “They feed me,” joked Russell. And so this became the new normal. Mother and son went off to college together in the fall of 2012. Russell had just received the Eresman Family Bursary which meant all four years of his education were covered – a blessing for this family with lots of children to see through school. Marsha’s fear of returning to school after all those years disappeared after being on campus and experiencing the support and camaraderie of her classmates. All the pieces were falling into place for the Johnson family.
But then everything changed. Russell started having abdominal pain at the end of August and made a visit to the on campus medical office rather than waiting to see his family doctor. According to Marsha, Dr. Lintott was very understanding of Russell and took his concerns seriously, sending him directly
to the emergency room. After being sent home from the ER with only medication, he followed up with Lintott who booked him for a scan. Russell returned to the ER at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and was sent to the Alberta Children’s Hospital where scans revealed an aggressive mixed-germ cell tumor in the 17-year-old’s abdomen. Stage 3 cancer. While the strain of the situation could have pulled the family apart, it brought them even closer together. Everyone had to step up and they did, said Marsha. Her 16-year-old daughter took over the morning routine and everyone helped in any way they could out of concern for their brother. “We’re family. It wouldn’t have happened any other way.” In addition to the support they received from their family and community, the college also played a huge role in helping them through the crisis. Russell’s admission and scholarship were postponed and Marsha’s instructors did everything they could to accommodate her situation. Her fellow students – many of whom are also mothers – would send her their study notes if she was unable to be in class. “It’s funny,” recalled Marsha. “You saw the goodness in the world from people that we’d never expect. There was such an outpouring of service, kindness and support. We weren’t alone.” While there were definitely moments of sadness and the inevitable question of “why is this happening to us?” Marsha drew comfort from the very person who had every right to be angry at the situation. “As I watched Russell with his courage and determination and hope, how could I possibly feel sorry for myself when he wasn’t? Sometimes things just happen. You find out who you are and what you can be through it.” In turn, Russell found strength in the example his mom had set for their family over the years as he watched her raise seven children while balancing the responsibilities of family, school and church. “Seeing all that she does and how she pushes through taught me to never give up.”
The experience has been life-changing and the lessons learned will stay with him, said Russell. In addition to determination and commitment, he also learned humility. “I was always someone who was as independent as possible, but in this situation you can’t help but to get help. I had to lean on others.”
“SOMETIMES THINGS JUST HAPPEN. YOU FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU CAN BE THROUGH IT.” He also came to a better understanding of others in tough trials and recognized how his own attitude and reactions influenced those around him. Describing himself as someone who likes to push the envelope, that characteristic didn’t change for Russell after going into remission. Shortly after his surgery last winter, he made the decision to participate in the Rattler Run in late April which was greeted with support, albeit, some concern from his mom. “In my heart, I didn’t know if he could do it but it was indicative of his character to try. When I watched him run by me I was flooded with emotion, knowing what he had been through and that he had set this goal. He doesn’t let things hold him down. He rises to the challenge,” said his mom with pride. So now, a year later, the challenge for the Johnson family is to slow down, even stop at times, and try not to take life for granted knowing too well how quickly things can change. Russell’s illness is a reminder as to how bad things can be and what’s really important, said Marsha. “It’s become a part of who our family is.” Russell’s memory is a little shorter. In the midst of an all-nighter of homework in his first week of classes, he started thinking that maybe he had it easier in chemo. Marsha’s just happy to catch a glimpse of her healthy son in the halls of MHC. “There’s a huge smile on my face when I get to wave at my boy. It’s fun to be college buddies again,” she laughed. real9
PHOTOS
COURTE
SY OF D
THIS
ANA HE
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THE PAST THREE YEARS LIVING IN RESIDENCE HAVE BEEN ADVENTUROUS, EMOTIONAL, EXHAUSTING, BUSY, ENCOURAGING, AND MOST OF ALL, FUN! I HAVE MET NEW PEOPLE, ACQUIRED NEW SKILLS AND TRIED NEW THINGS. THOUGH I’VE BEEN FAR FROM AND CAN’T HELP BUT MISS MY FAMILY, I’VE COME TO ACCEPT RESIDENCE AS HOME, AND THOSE IN RESIDENCE AS FAMILY. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE TIME TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON LIFE IN RESIDENCE, WHAT MADE IT SO ENJOYABLE AND WHY I DECIDED TO STICK AROUND FOR AS LONG AS I DID.
Reflections on Residence Top 10 reasons to live on campus BY DANA HENDRICKS NURSING STUDENT RESIDENCE ASSISTANT
d safe an ovides a r g into p in e n c n io eside ransit R t : s n t nt, I o n i e t stud assista ransi ent for idence s Safe T m e n r nd o a ir s d v . A e ba a ed en dent life good, th n controll e e h er, p t g e a d – n ction e ma and in ll the a esidenc college a r big d e e n h n t a o , h first lenda one is y G r . e n v e e e witness nd etw home a ing in b ay from everyth w a m o ur m is like o et new mily. fa s to me ie it n u happy t ppor ether ne. Wh ovides o lo r a p e e c b n o or from em t Reside lking to ever se a n w Social: in , u g o y in orn ps, life because dy grou in the m u t t s s people r fa o k , a ts ing bre vie nigh it’’s hav ows, mo h s rs. e t h n t o le cludes cllass, ta in s ence, y a in resid ce alw r n a e e y id s t e r just to y firs rk hard uring m o D w : o h t t w had ll still al Gro we’re a ive and , s y s a a d d p Person d is an s helpe to th o quiet ence ha tes, but id a s m e I was s r a m e o o t e lik h my ro evolve in ial plac viisit wit ills and in a soc k s g n in io iv t .L ica friends ommun solver. ve my c o r p conflict d im n a r me e round d a er, le not be a y t la h p ig m m tea and dad ry is! ee: Mom r F e c but Bar n e c a n n a e t n te t Main d main ing tha ning an g anyth in s x fi lb , u foor clea e b ght t shap nging li in grea a h e c c e n ’v m e I o ! ps resid apart, fr my unit He kee usly fall never in o t qual e e u n b a n t – a n o walls o take h may sp in w s s le e t o ma iring h ate room to repa onsider c d . a g h anin always ke at and cle but unli chores , e in p t a r h a s p ul leaves beautif ake the in r t , p n e w k la e e unds ar mow th The gro have to r e v e n we home, alks. el sidew v o h s or
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Multi-Cultural: Coming from a small M Alber All ta town, there was not a lot of diversity. It has been refreshing and fun to build friendships with people from other countries with very different cultural norms: Korea, Japan, Germany, France, and Columbia. Through these friendships I’ve been introduced to new foods, languages and tradi ttr tions.
RECOGNITION
Food Fo F Freedom: This may sound silly, but bu basically, I get to eat what I want, b when I want and how I want – all within my budget, of course. I love to grocery shop, cook and am so excited to have my own kitchen space. My roommates and I often have communal meals. I also take turns cooking with other oth friends in residence.
OUR PEOPLE ARE WHAT MAKE MHC A SPECIAL PLACE TO LEARN, WORK AND BELONG. JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF MHC ALUMNI, STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES AND FRIENDS. DROP US A LINE AT ALUMNI@MHC.AB.CA IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WORTHY OF SOME REAL RECOGNITION.
Inde In nd pendent Living: I have loved havin ha av g my own space to be responsible forr and take care of. It enables me some autonomy to do things on my schedule.
Krista Berg, a graduate of MHC’s ecotourism and outdoor leadership program received the 2012 Saskatchewan Tourism Service Excellence Award for her exceptional commitment to the tourism industry while working as a guide with Cypress Hills Eco Adventures Ltd.
Easy access: Living right on campus means you ha ve easy access to all of the events and activ ities that are go ing on in residence or at the college. Sc hool life and social life are all intertw ined. Aff f ordable: In addition to the con nvenience, livin g in residence is prob o ably the best deal in town! Pl us, you don’t have to pay for gas to get to and from the co llege, you get a huge deal on cable, and at least on ce a month there’s a free meal av ailable! Fun: I find mys elf partaking in new adventures, la a ughing daily, an d p participating in spontaneous, im promptu dances with m y roommates. Need more in fo about living on campus? Visit www.m hc.ab.ca/Servi ces/Residence
Welding apprentice, Landon Bierbach, won the Provincial Skills Canada Competition in Edmonton and went on to represent MHC and Alberta at the national competition in Vancouver.
Jacquie Penner, retired business dean, was named one of the province’s 50 Most Influential People by Alberta Venture magazine and received the Women in Business 2013 Inspire Award.
Congratulations to Marla Middleton Freitag who was inducted into the Palliser School Division’s Wall of Fame for her achievements as program coordinator for the administrative office professional program at MHC.
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“I’m not going to get through the day.” The thought dawned on Russel Krasnuik as he hiked above the clouds into Sacsayhuaman (pronounced ‘sexy woman’ by the locals), an archaeological park located north of Cusco at 12,000 ft. Krasnuik, instructor in the ecotourism and outdoor leadership (ETOL) program at MHC, and his daughter Holly, a teacher’s assistant at the University of Victoria, led four students and one alum on a 12-day field study in Peru last April. As part of the excursion, the group also spent three days on the Lares Trek hiking to 15,300 ft. – a higher elevation than anywhere found in the Canadian Rockies. “I was going through the park, turning white and thinking ‘this is only day two and I’ve got nine more days to go,’” recalled Krasnuik with a smile. “How am I going tell these students I’m not going to make it?”
Despite his doubt at the time, he did make it and the Lares Trek ended up being the highlight of Krasnuik’s Peruvian experience. “At my age and in my physical state, it was something I never imagined my body could do. To be there with the students and do something all of us had never done before was pretty fantastic.” Completing the Lares Trek was just one component of their adventure. Krasnuik partnered with G Adventures and Planeterra Foundation to design an experience that combined three major components of ecotourism – culture, economy and environment. As a result, MHC students had the opportunity to visit people and places off the beaten track and see the Sacred Valley as travellers instead of tourists. After arriving in Cusco and spending a day touring the city and acclimatizing to the altitude – the city sits at 11,100 ft. above sea level – the group travelled to Ccaccaccollo to learn about its unique culture and economy. While tourism is alive and well in Peru with millions of international visitors flocking to Cusco and Machu Picchu each year, indigenous communities like Ccaccaccollo don’t often
education at an elevation real12
MACHU PICCHU PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSEL KRASNUIK real13
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THE ANCIENT ART OF WEAVING IN CCACCACCOLLO
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“EVERYONE ATE TOGETHER AND PEOPLE WERE STOPPING IN ALL THE TIME. THERE WAS LOTS OF TALK AND LAUGHTER AND SHARING OF FOOD. IT WAS JUST AWESOME.”
LOVING THE LOCAL STYLE
OVERLOOKING THE SACRED VALLEY
see the benefits of the industry. That changed after Planeterra Foundation joined forces with women in the community to create a weaving co-op that showcases the ancient Inca craft of dyeing and weaving alpaca wool. Travellers – not tourists – now have the opportunity to meet these women and eat, live and work alongside them in the community. For Abby Czibere, a first-year ETOL student, the simplicity of people’s lives in Ccaccaccollo was enviable. She had the opportunity to spend two nights with a local family and enjoyed sharing their culture. Seeing how happy they seemed without dependency on technology or material possessions left her wishing she could stay. “They are just so in the moment, not attached to things.” One of the moments that was particularly special for her was the evening meal. Working alongside her host family, she helped prepare supper in a room smaller than most Canadian bathrooms. Lima beans and potatoes were pealed then cooked on a large rock slab. Holes were hollowed out for the pots with a fire real14
burning underneath. For Czibere, it was a novelty to watch a process she described as “so old school.” “Everyone ate together and people were stopping in all the time. There was lots of talk and laughter and sharing of food. It was just awesome,” she said. Communication had its challenges, but we were still able to share, added Czibere whose host father only spoke Quechuan. His eldest daughter spoke English and was able to translate when she was home. “Despite the language barrier, it was fun to see how communication is so universal.” Kathleen Hilsden, a graduate of the ETOL program and nature interpreter at Police Point Park, had travelled throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and Cuba prior to joining Krasnuik on this trip. She found her experience in Peru to be more intense than her other adventures, but despite the challenges, she came to a better understanding of herself and how she likes to travel.
IT’S ONE OF THE MOMENTS WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE NOT ACTUALLY THERE. YOU’RE JUST KIND OF IN AWE.”
AN INSANELY
TALL MOUNTAIN SACSAYHUAMAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK “I learned that I am not a resort person and would much rather travel like a local. I like to be immersed in the place I am travelling to and experience the local markets, language and lifestyle,” said Hilsden. Like Czibere, some of her most memorable moments involved staying in a mud brick house and trying to communicate with her host family. In an attempt to cut weeds in a corn field on the side of a mountain to feed the sheep, she and one of her classmates quickly drew the laughter and attention of their host mom and other locals. Unsure of what they had done that was so amusing,
ELEVATION
15,300FT
they made the kilometre-long trek back to the house where they were filled in on the joke by a translator. “We were officially the laughing stock of the village. Apparently my classmate and I looked like a newly married couple working in the field together bickering back and forth! Needless to say, it was the running joke for the rest of the trip,” recalled Hilsden fondly, adding that even the flight attendant on the way home referred to them as husband and wife. On day six, the group said goodbye to their host families and headed out on the Lares Trek to experience the attraction side of ecotourism. Led by local porters employed by G Adventures, they spent three days trekking through remote communities and stunning scenery. While Czibere, who is more comfortable hanging out on a beach than off a mountain, was a bit nervous about hiking at high altitude, she classified the excursion as 5-star. Each day started off with breakfast and cocoa tea to prevent altitude sickness. All meals were prepared on the trail by their porters and comfy beds awaited them at camp when they stopped at the end of each day. Despite being the only ‘flatlander’ on the trip, Hilsden, a native of Regina Beach, Saskatchewan, excelled in the high altitudes and loved the experience of hiking up and down “an insanely tall mountain.”
QUECHUA CHILD ON THE LARES TREK With the exception of one group of travelers from Quebec, the only others they encountered on the trail were local Inca and Quechua people. Children dressed in traditional clothes would run down from mountain peaks just to see them, said Czibere, who often wondered how their families lived in such isolation. “It has opened my mind to how much beauty there is. It makes me love travelling even more.” After the remoteness of the Lares Trek, the group had the opportunity to experience a much more commercial attraction – world-renowned Machu Picchu. “I was so excited to see Machu Picchu,” said Czibere. “When you’re there, you just have to step back and have a seat and think about how many people have dreamed about this place. It’s one of the moments when you feel like you’re not actually there. You’re just kind of in awe.” Krasnuik noted that access to the ruins is highly regulated by the Peruvian government now to preserve the region for future generations – only 3,000 permits are issued daily. “Machu Picchu was the only Inca village we saw that was intact as a living community. So many others had been conquered, dismantled, or not even finished. Machu Picchu was a true representation of the culture,” he said, adding that Canada could learn from Peru about preserving its own ecology for future generations. real15
For the final component of the trip, students were given the privilege of visiting the guarded community of Parque de la Papa, a research farm home to 1,100 species of native potatoes. They were the first Canadians ever given access to this facility, thanks to MHC’s partnership with G Adventures. Potato seeds are preserved at Parque de la Papa because they are not impacted by climate change due to the park’s high elevation. Students had the opportunity to see how the seeds are processed prior to being shipped to Lima and on to Norway where the potato DNA bank is located. The research done at the Parque de la Papa facility will ensure potatoes could be replenished in the event of a world famine or other global catastrophe.
came away with strong connections to their homestay families and the culture,” said Krasnuik. “From the research, we learned that we should guard our own communities of agriculture so we don’t lose the diversity of species necessary for our own sustainable living. From the communitybased experiences, we learned that building relationships is truly why travelers find purpose to explore. It helps us keep our living room full and to enjoy others in the spirit of fun, exploration and learning.”
To wrap up their Peruvian adventure, the group did one last hike up to 15,000 ft. from Parque de la Papa. There they had the chance to conduct some of their own research by experiencing first-hand the effects of elevation on heart rates and how high alpine training affects physiology. They compared their resting heart rates (typically 110-126/bpm) against those of their Quechua guides (55-60/bpm) and concluded that those engaged in high altitude training are able to process oxygen in the blood much more efficiently. For the most part, the group – including Krasnuik – performed better on the second hike. The exception was Czibere, who came down with altitude sickness and passed out in his arms. She spent the remainder of the day unable to walk and “talking gibberish” but was in good hands. While the experience could have left her with a negative memory, it was the care and compassion she received from the Quechua people that will stay with her.
TREKKING THROUGH THE REMOTE WILDERNESS OF PERU
“They treated me like I was one of their own. People are so caring and selfless,” she said of her host family who nursed her – a complete stranger – back to health using traditional herbal medicines. Overall, Krasnuik was extremely pleased by the inaugural ETOL 432 field study experience and will run another trip to Costa Rica this winter. “I witnessed a greater shift in attitudes and perspectives than I expected. The outcomes were authentic. Each student real16
POCKET FULL OF POTATOES AT PARQUE DE LA PAPA
“THEY TREATED ME LIKE I WAS ONE OF THEIR OWN. PEOPLE ARE SO CARING AND SELFLESS,”
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3D printer Revolutionizes Learning at MHC BY KENDRA BORGEN
“We encourage mistakes. We use this educational tool to test ideas and create objects from sketches, so that through advancements in technology, the design can be felt and viewed in three-dimension (3D).” These are words that Walter Garrison, manager of innovation and scholarship at Medicine Hat College (MHC) strongly believes. He goes on to explain the experience current and future students will have with the new 3D printer technology on campus. Unveiled in 2013, the Stratasys Fortus 400mc 3D Printer and Faro Edge Arm and Laser Tracker technology allows the college to offer students a unique learning opportunity, while getting involved in applied research and engaging with industry. So what is this technology and who is using it? The Fortus 400, in particular, can accurately manufacture prototypes from designs with complex properties and measurements that not only are strong enough for functional testing, but end use as well. The machine builds in nine materials and has four layer thicknesses to choose from. This means that it can handle an extensive list of applications in 3D prototyping, tooling and low-volume manufacturing.
Garrison stresses however, that innovation like this comes with a steep learning curve which is why Steve Penzes, the print lab’s fabrication technician with over 30 years of experience in engineering, is available to anyone accessing the equipment.
GARRISON STRONGLY BELIEVES THAT THIS TECHNOLOGY IS NOT ONLY CHANGING THE BUSINESS
According to Garrison, the easiest way to explain it is to think of a photocopier. If you sketch something out on a piece of paper, imagine when you go to copy it, instead of it appearing on an 8.5x11 sheet the design appears in 3D. One of the world’s largest manufacturers, General Electric (GE), is one example of a company integrating additive manufacturing into their operations in a variety of ways. From prototyping components for washing machines to making jet engine parts, GE is embracing this technology and changing the way they do business. Garrison strongly believes that this technology is not only changing the business climate and the way the college works with industry, but will also influence the way in which MHC delivers curriculum. Garrison is currently working with faculty on innovative ways to integrate the technology into existing programs. For example: a visual communications student might have a design or idea that they would like to see as a 3D rendering. That student can work alongside a peer from the computer aided drafting and design program who knows the software to develop their concept. Both gain knowledge in design and experience using the machine while working as a team. It creates a collaborative learning environment. real18
CLIMATE AND THE WAY THE COLLEGE WORKS WITH INDUSTRY, BUT WILL ALSO INFLUENCE THE WAY IN WHICH MHC DELIVERS CURRICULUM. The printer is available for both student and business use. For more information on this technology as well as the research and innovation occurring at MHC, visit www.mhc.ab.ca/3DPrinter.
RESEARCH
WALTER GARRISON, MANAGER, INNOVATION & SCHOLARSHIP
THANK YOU
STEVEN PENZES
The 3D printer and laser scanning are possible due to a partnership between MHC and various organizations including: Western Economic DiversiďŹ cation Canada, Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, APEX Regional Innovation Network and Cimetrix.
PENZES brings extensive experience and expertise in engineering. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he has had a rewarding career in research and development (R&D) at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Over the last 34 years he has worked on numerous programs such as high speed aerial target systems; R&D on unmanned vehicle systems; and remote control robots for use by the Canadian Forces in detecting chemical, biological and nuclear threats. Penzes has used numerous technologies in delivering the R&D products to the Canadian Forces, including work with 3D printing technologies. It is this experience that will serve MHC well in moving forward with its growth in 3D fabrication capabilities. real19
i n m Alu file: Pro
Stephanie Nowaczyk STEPHANIE NOWACZYK, AT HOME ON BROOKS CAMPUS. BELOW: NOWACZYK INSTRUCTS 2ND YEAR PRACTICAL NURSE STUDENTS MEGAN SHUPE AND JESSICA THIBAUDEAU WITH LIFT AND TRANSFER TECHNIQUES.
For Stephanie Nowaczyk, teaching in the practical nurse program at Brooks Campus is an honour. Showing students what nursing is really about and working alongside the instructors that mentored her as a student are things she doesn’t take for granted. Nowaczyk’s journey took her around the world before settling down in Brooks. She was born and raised in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat after high school where she completed the physical therapist assistant and health care aide programs at MHC. Those experiences prepared her well for work overseas while travelling in New Zealand. Nowaczyk spent time at the University of Auckland where her sister was enrolled in the physiotherapy program. She worked with the disabilities foundation and provided assistance, such as note taking for the visually impaired, to students in need of extra support. She also completed a sport massage certificate which provided her with an opportunity to volunteer with the North Harbour Netball Championships. “It was a really amazing experience. I learned a lot about who I am and what I want out of life,” she said. After returning from Down Under, Nowaczyk spent six months back home in Kerrobert to figure out her next steps. Always real20
wanting to enroll in nursing, she applied for the practical nurse program at Brooks Campus and was accepted right away. She appreciated the small classes and personal attention offered at Brooks Campus which were very similar to her experiences in Medicine Hat. She finished the program in 2006 and started working full-time at the Brooks Health Centre. To gain even more experience, she spent her weekends off working in long term care, acute care and the emergency room at the hospitals in Kerrobert and Kindersley. She also started contracting part-time for Brooks Campus to do clinical work with students at the hospital and finally discovered where she was meant to be. “I fell in love with teaching,” said Nowaczyk, who enjoyed instructing students on the practical skills of doing injections and taking vitals. “It was an honour to share that experience with them. I feel very lucky to be part of a team that teaches students to be the best nurses they can be.”
MHC Students Inspired at
Enactus World Cup I
magine a simple game that can teach the poor to become successful entrepreneurs. Or a small business that gives the gift of sight for only a dollar and employs the disadvantaged. Or a sanitary facility that converts waste to fertilizer while providing employment and improving the economy in third world communities. Now imagine that these, and hundreds of other projects around the world, had all been developed and implemented by the volunteer work of college and university students. Ideas that seem impossible are becoming a reality thanks to the work of Enactus, a world-wide network of post-secondary students committed to changing lives through entrepreneurial action. With the support of academic and business leaders, these students are making their mark in their communities and on a global scale. Business students David Humphrey and Aaron Hoimyr are the president and vice-president of MHC’s Enactus chapter. Along with their advisors, Darren Howes, an instructor in the business division and Jon Sookocheff, manager of the Entrepreneur Development Centre, these students had the opportunity to witness these projects in action at the Enactus World Cup held in Cancun, Mexico in October. Approximately 1,700 students were part of the event with 110 people from 15 different schools making up the Canadian delegation.
“We got to see countries from all over the world come together and share what they are doing to make the world a better place. It was quite spectacular,” said Hoimyr, who compared the experience to the Olympic Games for business students. The three-day event kicked off with an opening ceremony that included a parade of nations with students from each Enactus country, but instead of participating in swimming or skiing as seen in the traditional Olympics, these competitors pitched their projects to a panel of judges to advance to the next level.
“WE GOT TO SEE COUNTRIES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD COME TOGETHER AND SHARE WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.” In addition to the competitive aspect of the event, students benefitted from attending panel discussions and breakout sessions with some of the world’s top business leaders while debating topics like women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development. There was also a culture fair to showcase the diversity represented within Enactus. For Hoimyr, highlights of the World Cup included watching the “Broadwaystyle business” presentation of the award-winning team from Germany and listening to the emotional closing speech of the Enactus president who reminded delegates that together, change is possible. On the lighter side, he and
Humphrey enjoyed a unique networking opportunity while jet skiing with highlevel executives from Home Depot Corporate – not an everyday occurrence for MHC students. “The World Cup is a great opportunity for our students, not only to share best practices with their peers and network with the best in the business, but to learn more about Enactus and be inspired,” said Sookocheff, who described the experience as life changing. “We were very lucky to have gone. It was like being part of the United Nations.” The MHC chapter of Enactus, which has more than doubled in size since this time last year, is currently recruiting new members and hopes to increase representation from all areas on campus and not be seen as only an opportunity for business students. For an optimist like Hoimyr, being involved with Enactus provides him with many opportunities and he hopes others will feel the same. “My hope is to create a sustainable team, something that will last long after we’re gone from MHC. Enactus is a good thing for people who are looking for a job in the future. It’s a good thing for people who want to volunteer. It’s good inspiration for people who want to give back. Inherently, I think everyone has that quality inside of them,” said Hoimyr. For more information about Enactus, please contact Jon Sookocheff at 403.504.3585.
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Meet the Den Moth er
LISA SAVAGE WITH HER EXTENDED FAMILY: VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS JORDAN MATTERS [LEFT] AND SHANE KIMBER [RIGHT] LINDSAY HAZELAAR, SOCCER [OPPOSITE PAGE]
S
he has two children at home a and 110 at work. Lisa Savage always wanted a big family and got one as the ‘den mother’ to the Rattlers Athletics program at MHC.
While her official title is administrative assistant to the sport and wellness department, it’s a term that doesn’t do justice to her roles and responsibilities that go far beyond what’s listed in a typical job description. Not only does she handle the transportation and accommodation requirements for teams on the road and assist with all events that happen on home territory in the Snake Pit, she also deals with the mountain of paperwork required by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association to ensure athletes are eligible to play. Then comes her role as ‘mom,’ which isn’t so clearly defined.
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From dealing with injuries and illness, booking appointments for doctors, physio and chiropractors, and providing advice about school, finances and life in general, her work as den mother is never done. Add the ongoing needs and requests of the coaching staff and Savage has her work cut out for her. It’s not a 9-5 job. It means being available on evenings, weekends or whenever your kids need you. “It’s very similar to being a mom. You don’t know what you’re going to be faced with every day,” said Savage. “For some kids, it’s the first time they’ve left home and they’re unsure about themselves and their new environment. They don’t even know where to go for groceries.”
With two boys of her own involved in competitive sport, she feels she’s well prepared for the challenges that her job provides and understands where studentathletes are coming from. While the pace can be intense at times, she knows that she would be bored with anything less. The rewards are huge. Watching the athletes excel and sharing in their success leaves her with a sense of parental pride. “When they start at the beginning of the year, they come in and are overwhelmed but after a couple months they find their comfort zone. I get to participate in what they’re doing. I get to be active in their lives. I get to help them grow into adulthood.
“PARENTS TRUST ME TO STAND IN WHEN THEY’RE NOT AROUND. ONE MOM CAME TO ME ONE DAY AND SAID, ‘DON’T BE AFRAID TO GIVE MY SON THE FINGER,’ THEN SHOOK HER INDEX FINGER AT ME AND SAID ‘NO, NO, NO.’”
Home schedule SPORT
DATE
TEAM
BBALL BBALL
JAN 10 JAN 11
KEYANO COLLEGE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT SAIT KING’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SAIT KING’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE GRANT MACEWAN GRANT MACEWAN LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE ST. MARY’S
FUTSAL VBALL VBALL BBALL VBALL VBALL VBALL BBALL VBALL BBALL
JAN 17-19 JAN 17 JAN 24 JAN 25 JAN 25 JAN 31 FEB 1 FEB 7 FEB 8 FEB 15
TIME (women) 6PM
(men) 8PM
6PM 8PM (CHECK RATTLERS.CA FOR TIMES) 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 1PM 3PM 6PM 8PM 1PM 3PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM 6PM 8PM
www.rattlers.ca HOMETOWN TEAM BIG TIME TALENT
“It’s neat to watch the dynamic of them growing together and forming such a tight group. They all share a common goal that helps them really bond and support one another.” Savage is fortunate enough to live across the street from the college which means she is accessible to the studentathletes whenever they need her. Like at mealtimes, for example, when they’ve been known to drop by the den mother’s house for lunch. With her bird’s-eye view, she is also able to keep an eye on their activities at residence.
“Mom is always watching. I know everything. I’m sure they don’t like it very much,” she joked.
in and have a bit more control. With the athletes, you can guide and advise but you can’t make decisions for them.”
But, like with most families, there are tough times too. While the diversity of the department – which encompasses the Rattlers, Booster Club, Alberta Sport Development Centre and Be Fit for Life Centre – is a positive thing, it can also be a challenge.
She might not be the real mom for the student-athletes, but some parents are comfortable with her filling their shoes while their sons and daughters attend MHC.
“There’s a lot happening all the time in our office. We are forever changing with new administration, coaching staff and a new crop of athletes each year. Everyone works well together and helps out but everyone has a bad day now and then and once in a while, everyone’s bad day happens on the same day,” admitted Savage. “The good part is it never gets carried over.” She also added that it’s hard to watch some of the kids who have a difficult time making the transition. “We can help and guide along the way but they have to do the work. As a real mom, you can step
“Parents trust me to stand in when they’re not around. One mom came to me one day and said, ‘don’t be afraid to give my son the finger,’ then shook her index finger at me and said ‘no, no, no,’” laughed Savage. Being seen as part of the family and contributing to the success of the program makes all the hard work worthwhile. One coach even described her as the 16th member of his team. For Savage, sitting on the sidelines of a home game, listening to the enthusiasm of the fans, watching her ‘kids’ give it their all and knowing she helped to create it, is all the reward she needs. real23
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