I would like to tell you a
little about my life since leaving Lockerby Comp.
I dropped
out after Grade 10, got married, had four children and moved to Red
Lake, Ontario.
I worked at a lot of jobs throughout my life -
all minimum wages. Don't get me wrong, I loved being a
waitress, produce manager, bakery and cake decorator, cabin cleaner
etc.
My kids grew up and were in high school. One of them was talking
about dropping out. I pleaded with her to stay in school. She
continually told me "You dropped out, why can't I?"
I decided to go back and get my grade 12.
I did. It was the hardest thing that I ever did. I
worked full time, kept house and finished raising my children and
finally I graduated. What a wonderful feeling.
My children watched me very closely and most time they were my
greatest cheering section. When I thought I just couldn't do
it, one of them would say "I'm pulling for you mom."
I could not go to my high school graduation party because my daughter's college
graduation was held at the same time. It was worth it to see
her receive her diploma.
Many times during those years that I was struggling to balance
all the things in my life and get my grade 12, I recalled the
teachers at Lockerby Comp who were always so encouraging to me.
They said I could do anything that I put my mind to.
Today, I try to give back what I learned. I work at an Adult
Learning Centre. I am helping the other adults who dropped
out. It is such a rewarding job.
Thought I would share that with you.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Rosalie Notter, (nee Forsyth)
