Many of you will remember me as Ross-Anne, but I stopped using my first name many years ago and, now, am known by my second name, Courtney.
After completing my studies at UVic, I moved to Toronto where I worked as a publicist, until I met a Dutchman & went to the Netherlands. While there, I pursued my art studies, established a group for immigrant women, and completed my Masters in Applied Linguistics. Next, I was hired to teach at a university in central Finland. By then, I was single again.
Finland is beautiful in a stark, cold way with little light during the winter. As well as teaching, I resumed my career, working as a publicist for an international sports organization. However, I’d suffered all my life from depression, so I decided to leave my good friends, good job, and condo, to return to Toronto. I was terrified that I’d end up homeless, but instead, I was hired by Ryerson University and, after a couple of years, went to work for York University, where I teach in the Writing Department.
Also, in my ‘spare’ time, I’m enrolled as a student in the Visual Arts Department & will soon finish my degree. This is what I always wanted to do & I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity. (If you happen to be in Toronto during the first two weeks of October 2016, please drop by to see my show).
Another dream of mine was to travel and see ancient civilizations. In that too, I’ve been fortunate. I’m just back from Uzbekistan and have also visited North Africa, Japan, Cambodia, Jordan, Turkey, and most of Europe.
Sorry, I can’t make it to the 2016 reunion.