Room to grow

When I was in English Lit, I never thought “What’s next?” You know—you’re busy keeping up with your studies and fitting in as much fun as you can. I was absolutely sure about one thing though: I never wanted to be boxed in, bored—and I wanted to care about what I did.

When I first started working at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, I was working relief at the front desk. I fell in love with the hackLAB and Maker Space, so when they asked if I wanted to work there, I remember saying, “You mean I’d learn laser cutting and 3D printing and stuff?" Kaboom! This was for me.

It still amazes me how I was able to go from front desk to hackLAB to Coordinator in the Communications department. This was an opportunity I doubt I’d have been given elsewhere. They (Town of Innisfil) see people for what they can be. Whatever they saw in me, I didn’t see it in myself. But they encouraged it and still allow me to push the boundaries of my job.

Now, for example, I’m the connection between the planners and engineers behind our parks and roads and residents. Whether it’s our Parks Master Plan or our eco-friendly (and cutting edge) Orbit development, these are the projects I care about.

More than anything, the project I’m most pumped about now is the development of our Youth Engagement Strategy. No micro-managing, I get complete freedom. I’m being trusted to make this great. I care about this a lot, it’s a strategic priority, and it’s my baby.

I’m really where I’m meant to be.