Cheng Gong award (last one of the 2018-19 year at DMLIS)-goes to....

Pre-Note: No, this is not another ego stroke for me.

This is actually post-winning the award here at our campus, I need to give it out.

I am giving it to someone who is very important to me and here is how I am going to share it with the staff at our meeting at the end of the month before flying out.

"Ain't no mountain too high, ain't no valley to low, ain't no river wide enough baby-if you need me, call me-no matter where you-no matter how far-don't worry baby, when you call my name, I'll be there in a hurry-you don't have to worry.

We are going to play a quick game-"Guess who?"

This individual comes from place-in Canada-Guess?

This person is great at Basketball-Guess?

This person teaches P.E.-Guess?

They love beer-Guess?

Now, hold your guess, for the answer,

Well, these are things that makes this person...this person in most of our minds. But the thing about this person that resonates with me the most is a bit of a conversation from a time together in a group.

"9 days is difficult, you should be in pretty good shape, it says on the website, I recommend 12 days" said Paul as he looks at someone else in the room as if suggesting that they were, well, not in shape. No, it wasn't me.
"Carm, when you made the plans, did you not consider the fact that you probably won't make it home for Spring Festival?" asked Kenny.
"Nah man, we are going to do it 9 days-we can do it in 9 days-its easy, well I read it was". Carm nervously shares
"Well, if our medical insurance doesn't cover helicopter rides down a mountain-looks like we are leaving you up there Jer." Kenny suggested.

To answer-No, and No-didn't need a helicopter and no, MSH doesn't cover helicopter rides during trekking expeditions.

Kenny, a true friend walked through hell with me and back, been there as a co-worker, someone who actually had humble beginnings in N310 back in the day. To growth through AQ's and years of experience, future HOD of Boy's P.E. someone who is a great rapport with the students, and one of the those people who is generally striving for success. A model to anyone new or returning.

Cheers!"

Thank you Meghan Hanbury,

A shout out to my former supervisor/department head back one of the BEST gigs I had as a student back in the day. Working at Lakehead University, there was quite a few jobs I tried my hand at, and the Phon-A-Thon was one of my favourites (hands down). Was a very fair gig, lots of room for part-time work and even more room for social gatherings before/after. Everyone you work with is awesome and all you need to do is have a pleasant conversation with someone who already graduated from Lakehead. Sweet? Totally!

Well, over the years (as you will see), I have kept in touch with Meghan (my supervisor/department head). Not only is she an amazingly understanding facilitator, but also just a wonderful person. Thank you for always keeping me in your thoughts Meghan, means worlds!

Hi Carm,

"So glad that you approved and I’m looking forward to being able to show you the final product.

If you’re specifically looking at Alberta, would you like me to put you in touch with the Calgary Chapter president?  I’m sure she’d be more than happy to answer your questions about the province and maybe even offer some hints about job hunting?  There are so many grads located there.

Sounds like sending a package won’t work out at this point in time.  But we will compromise by sending you a housewarming package whenever you move back to Canada.  I’m so glad that you like that we’ve kept in touch.  You were definitely one of our stand-out students in the Phone-a-thon and you were such a great volunteer.  I’ll always remember your family being the first ones in the door at Convocation and they jokingly asked if I knew you.  That was such a great moment. 

It was also a privilege watching you grow during your Lakehead experience and head off on an adventure to China.  I’m sure it has felt isolating at times but it’s certainly a journey to be proud of.

All the best!"