Teacher - Mr. D. Shouldice

I've always loved being in the garage tinkering with something. It's almost as good as being out in the garden. We went on a grade eight tour of the high school we would be attending in the fall. Our guide was a current student in the mentoring program, who clearly was not interested in going down the tech hall, but I was and I wasn't the only one.

It was clear that if we wanted to look into the rooms we were going on our own, so that's what we did. Each teacher was welcoming and let us wander, as much as safety would allow.

There were seven different shops; drafting, heavy machine, wood working, electronics, welding, auto body and auto mechanics. 

I was the only girl in my group that went into the shops and took the time to look around. I still remember the the familiar smell the first time I walked into the auto shop that would quickly become my favorite class in years to come. 

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Mr. Shouldice explained that the grade nine program was six weeks in each shop (with the exception of the body shop and welding) and we would get theory and hands on time in each. When we got our course section paperwork we got to pick two classes of our choice.  Mine; Intro to Technology was my first pick and a computer course to keep my mom and Nana happy. ​I was very nervous to start grade nine in the shop program but everyone, and I mean everyone, was extremely welcoming right from the start.

Over my high school years the auto shop became my favorite class. I looked forward to it everyday. Even on days it wasn't on my schedule. Having a bad day, go to the shop. I have always had regular migraines, go to the shop. Need to study for a test or have a project due, screw it, go to the shop. 

Mr. Shouldice never kicked me out. I was always welcome to sit in the classroom part of the room and work on anything I wanted while his class worked in the shop.  He helped me get my Coop placement, which led to an amazing job.