Newest addition to EMC welcomes opportunity
Posted Mar 5, 2010 By Phil Ambroziak
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Tweet ThisWho am I?
That's a question I've asked myself quite often during the course of the past year and, until recently, it was a question I could not find a satisfactory answer to. Perhaps the reason for this is - and this is something that applies to everyone I am an entirely different person to the various individuals who play a significant role in my life.
To my parents, who will always view me through the proverbial rose-coloured glasses, I'm the perfect son who can do no wrong. To my wife, I am a loving, loyal partner who she will always be able to rely on. To my three children, I'm a combination of teacher, friend, role model and disciplinarian. And, to my friends, I am fun, easy going and, most importantly, trustworthy. Despite taking all of this into account, I was still having trouble discovering the real me. I was all of these people to others, but who was I to myself?
This conundrum slowly manifested itself beginning early last year when, after close to a decade, I was relieved of my position as a reporter/editor at a community newspaper in the Almonte/Carleton Place area because of corporate cutbacks. It was a position I held since graduating from Algonquin College's print journalism program in 2000.
As unexpected, frustrating and frightening as this was at the time, I was able to persevere and with the tremendous support of my wife and all the other amazing people I mentioned earlier find the will and the way to survive. I was able to secure a few odd jobs here and there and part-time employment at an Almonte-based retail business. It was the beginning of a fresh start and a means of continuing to provide for my family. Still, however, something just didn't feel right. I had been in the newspaper business for so long, I felt out of place doing other work. No matter what I did, it just wasn't me.
Before going any further, I should address what some readers are likely thinking at this point. You may be wondering what the big deal is and why I would feel so disenfranchised about losing this particular job when so many other people are faced with a similar situation on an ongoing basis. You may also be thinking that I should have been happy to have any job I could and to put the past behind me. It's not that easy.
As any reporter will tell you, journalism isn't simply a job. It's a way of life. Nobody goes to school for print journalism and then voluntarily seeks employment as a newspaper reporter because they want to become rich. We do it because we like it. We have the strong skills, the proper mindset and the proud determination to do the best job we can. It is something that needs no explanation for those who are part of the business and something that cannot be properly explained to someone who is not part of it.
A few short weeks ago, I received some good news as quickly and as unexpectedly as I'd received the bad news one year earlier. I was pleasantly surprised to learn about an available position here at the Ottawa West EMC. Since coming on board, the staff has been wonderful.
They've welcomed me without hesitation, been helpful with any questions I have had and they've been patient while I've worked out any kinks I've developed after being on the shelf for so long. I was a little nervous at first, but aside from being in a new place and dealing with new faces, being a journalist is just like riding a bike - you never forget how.
As the weeks progress, I look forward to contributing to this respected publication by reporting on the issues that matter to you, our readers, the most.
If you would like to contact me regarding a potential story idea, please do so at 613-688-1473 or via e-mail at pambroziak@theemc.ca.
I've finally discovered who I am. I'm finally me ... again.
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