It was a challenge to enter McGill at age 16, in 1965, after spending four rule-laden years in a typical 60s high school in Montreal. Even though the door to freedom and independence was now open, women still had limits and boundaries; sexism reigned supreme. Looking back, I realize McGill’s impact on me occurred concurrently, both inside and outside the classroom. It was a powerful combination of theory and application.
Inside the classroom I was studying to become a kindergarten specialist. We had to choose two content subjects as “teachables” that actually could include both math and science courses from the first year to the fourth. I was delighted! Little did I know that a study would be published in the late 1990s showing that even though men and women entering the workforce in the late 60s and early 70s started their first jobs with comparable salaries, men had far surpassed their female counterparts 25 years on. The one exception to the rule: those women who had taken at least one math and/or science course every year of their university studies! Way to go McGill.
Outside the classroom there was a labyrinth of political clubs, organizations and forums. This allowed me to broaden my understanding of human rights and social justice and showed me how to advocate for systemic change. And it helped me understand the meaning of group dynamics and relationship-building, both key to the process.
I applied all that I learnt at McGill in my roles as a kindergarten teacher, as a full-time teacher union staff member and strike chief, as the founding Principal of Royal Vale (a math/science alternative school) in the public system, and finally as the 10th Head of School at Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School, the premiere independent girls school in Montreal. I never stopped learning, I never stopped challenging, I never stopped effecting change and I never stopped “growing against the grain.” But always with a group of people, as a team. We all learned from each other. We all had each other’s backs.
But what you do and who you are need to be meshed seamlessly. And lucky me – I met a like-minded fellow teacher and union activist! We were married in 1978 by a female protonotary at the Palais de justice using the themes of the Communist Chinese marriage ceremony. It focused on equality, sharing in the wealth and property, the upbringing of children, and keeping my own family name…much to the chagrin of my parents. My Christian husband (who even broke a glass in the Jewish tradition) and I liked the ceremony so much, we did it all over again on our 25th anniversary, this time with our two grown sons officiating (also McGill grads!).
Of course, life becomes more complicated with two kids and a mortgage, and eventually aging parents. The core values remain and the passion never leaves us, but we evolve over the years, learning and growing and trying to juggle all the balls successfully.
Now the focus is reconciliation, diversity, inclusivity, justice, equity, gender identity and more. There is always work to be done. Although retired, I am still involved in effecting change on the boards of progressive non-profits whose mission/values mirror my own.
I continue to grow against the grain, even at 70+. A tip of the Borer hat and an irreverent thank you to McGill – I couldn’t have done it without you.