by Julia Langlois
Marilyn Grace Anderson visited Almonte and District High School’s grade ten English class on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 for an interview. The guidance she provided to students was priceless.
Grace Anderson may only see the world with fifty percent of her vision but that hasn’t stopped her from living her life one hundred percent. In her "thirty nine plus tax" years living in the surrounding area as well as other parts of Canada, she has tried her hand at many jobs, from being a flight attendant and meeting Ernest Hemingway, to retrieving secret papers from a theoretical physicist, there is no doubt she has work experience. She was also a stay at home mom with two children and became the first social director on Nuns’ Island establishing churches, and schools. She was also on Mississippi Mills council for sixteen years.
Helping others has always been prevalent in her life, starting when she was younger buying yarn and getting her mom to knit scarves and hats for people in need. Now, she attends Mills Community Corporation Home Support program and wishes to raise awareness for anyone interested.
At ADHS, her great work experience was brought to light as she gave insight and wisdom to students. She suggested how to get started in the work force by means of getting involved, volunteering, meeting new people and getting connected by taking whatever jobs are available. She stated "each job leads to something better". This is a very encouraging thought to the inexperienced job seeker!
Excellent examples of giving and dedicated people in our community, such as Grace Anderson are just what students’ need. She provided an example of wisdom that won’t soon be forgotten.