MY PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

As a teacher and a person that can appreciate 

the experience of life because of our 'advanced' years.

I love listening then reading once again here

about my students' life experiences.

They are all retirees and considered as seniors.

What makes it more interesting is that

their experiences are those of mature, established

 and experienced persons.

Their vues on life have been influenced 

by their personal experiences through the years

 and have attached to them,  a 'touch' of wisdom.

Here is Irène's story!

What I am the most proud of  in my life.

By Irène Mongeon

                                 

                                       

   When I decided to choose the topic, two subjects come to mind: my career and my university studies because during the last thirty-five years I might have given too much but there are no regrets!

 I studied four years at university and obtained a licence and a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I began my career as a paediatric nurse for a few years. Then I had the opportunity to teach during my employment. I worked in different departments at Notre-Dame Hospital. Sometimes, it was a difficult job because there were a lot of unexpected things but the challenge was rewarding. The hospital management often gave me huge tasks and projects; I preferred organizational development.

  One day the nursing director asked me as a head-nurse to restructure a department. I had learned about management and had worked a lot on development and it had become my passion. In the meantime, I completed a master’s degree in education. This period of my life was very demanding and there was no time for leisure. This experience was successful and gave me the confidence to go ahead for a big change.

   I left this hospital where I had worked for eighteen years and began working in the universe of human resources. I loved working for the growth of individuals. Years passed, I worked in small and large health establishments, such as CH, CHSLD, CLSC, CHP. I often had heavy caseloads and my work included various challenges. I was always fulfilled working for the advancement of individuals and organisations.

  In order to help me more, I studied in creativity. This certificate taught me many ways of seeing things and creative methods in teaching or solving problems. At the same moment, for four years, I was president of a Human Resources Group representing six regions of Quebec. This work group’s  mission was to talk to members of organisations with the same objectives of human resources and individual development were present. We offered our services to members including resourcing and networking. It has been a very rich experience in my career!

  Studying was never easy, but I’m a determined woman. I realised that my studies allowed me the  best opportunities in the  work field. When I retired, I created my company in human resources development. I had mandates in organizational development. It was a different challenge than  being an employee. I learned a lot in administration and accounting. These last years were rewarding!

  Then the time for retirement came along. I had to help my mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. I took care of her during four years. And again creativity helped me to keep myself balanced. I started painting and drawing once more. And I won two prizes at exhibitions and I sold three of my works. It’s a great activity!

I am so proud of my work throughout the years! 

As your ESL teacher, Irène, I want to acknowledge the HUGE and I mean huge progress you have made at this your third session. I can see that you have a great work discipline and your years of studying is still on going!! I am sure you will get to where you wish to be !  SUZANNE