Off topic: Journey for Justice

Last week, we had the pleasure of having Wilma Derksen and Mike McIntyre speak at our campus. For anyone who doesn't know, Wilma's daughter Candace was abducted and later found dead inside an old machinery shed near her home. For Journalism class, we read Mike's book, Journey for Justice: How "Project Angel" Cracked The Candace Derksen Case.

If you didn't know that Mike was a journalist prior to reading his book, you'd certainly know afterwards. There were strong journalistic elements present in Mike's book, and some parts read like little news stories. Other parts were more like your classic novel, but I think the way that Mike married the two is what made it worth the read. I often find it's much more interesting to read about something that actually happened, which is why I don't read Harry Potter and endure relentless verbal assaults.

During the presentation, I was surprised to learn about all the things that Mike has accomplished. Writing several books, working at the Winnipeg Free Press since 1997, hosting his own radio show, and raising a family. Sounds like a busy guy. It was really interesting to learn how Mike went about writing his books. He let us know that it has a lot to do with being personable, which is a huge asset if you want to be a successful journalist.

What I found the most interesting, however, was Wilma. I can't even imagine the courage that woman has. After losing her daughter in such a terrible way, being accused by the police of being a religious 'fanatic', having her husband accused of being the murder, she still has the courage to speak about her experience. And not just once, but dozens of times. I really wished we could have heard  more from Wilma, it's not everyday that you meet someone like that.

Trip to Minneapolis!

Over reading week, my girlfriend and I had an awesome time in Minneapolis. We stayed at The Millennium Hotel and Suites on Nicollet Mall, which was very nice. The second night we were there Liza made the mistake of ordering a cosmo, which came to around $12, while my beer was a meager $6.50. After that, we decided to employ some creativity.

We checked out the Mall of America, but both agreed that one day was enough. I talked to a nice lady from ChildFund International who told me I should become a sponsor. When she saw my hesitation, she asked what was stopping me. When I told her books and tuition, car insurance, rent, rising gas prices... she didn't bat an eye. When I told her I was from Canada she said I couldn't do it anyway because they only accepted Americans.

Badass.

Leggo Land was pretty cool. We even checked out the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, which was awesome - though pictures were obviously frowned upon. Liza was really glad I was there to help her pick out new boots, though.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. After driving the entire way, Liza felt bad and wanted to drive. I begrudgingly accepted, hoping to get some sleep (and I felt terrible after drinking three energy drinks and eating beef jerky, chips, and chocolate). It was snowing a little bit, but I wasn't worried as Liza loves to drive cautiously because safety is her utmost concern. I was awoken from a half-sleep by "AARON OH MY GOD!" Liza had to make a turn on an exit ramp was worried about changing lanes. She was very stressed at the time but we had a good laugh after.

Remember first semester?

Going through my camera today, I found a bunch of old pictures from first semester that I never used in my brochure. It's hard to believe Mark Schram used to have hair. Here's a few that I never used.

Charming.

Gorgeous.

teezee

T Pro V

A hairier version of Mark Schram.

Bettina and Priya hard at work.

Joey teaches Tanner to read.

Bri guy.

Tanner pretends he can read.

Priya works it!

Excited for InDesign!

What do I do with my hands?

Two crazy dudes.