I recently had the opportunity to attend the Université de Montréal Faculty of Education alumni homecoming event, where it was a pleasure to meet faculty, staff and students and see scholarships awarded to deserving graduates. Also present was alumna The Honourable Liza Frulla, chair of the faculty board, who talked about Campus Montréal during her speech.

As executive director of Campus Montréal, I often take part in events organized by HEC Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal and Université de Montréal. Every occasion is a chance to meet talented people, join in fascinating discussions and forge new connections. Given that I began my own career as a high school teacher (1969–1980), the Faculty of Education event, needless to say, held special meaning for me. It was an honour to be there and to be asked to say a few words, which included offering the newly minted and soon-to-be teachers advice and encouragement.

Teaching, in my opinion, is one of the noblest professions, because it influences the development and future of our young people. I am aware, though, that it is not always simple for those just starting out in their career. When I began teaching, I was all of 23 years old and had students who were 16. Maintaining discipline is a challenge with such a slight age difference. So I wanted to express my support to these graduates and urge them to persevere, because teaching is a gratifying experience. Just this week, for instance, I gave a lecture about President Obama at a Belles Soirées event organized by Université de Montréal. At the end of the lecture, one of my former students, a highly successful lawyer, introduced me to his niece who is studying law at UdeM and asked if I could give her some career advice. Not only did he remember me, he was asking me for advice! The trust and appreciation was heartwarming; at the same time it made me realize just how important teachers are in the development of young people.

Know, therefore, that while the profession you have chosen is vital for the transfer of knowledge, you will also play an important role in the life of your students, the significance of which you may never know. Nothing is more rewarding than being a source of inspiration to others. Teaching is not a job –  it is a profession and a vocation. On this note, I salute all the Campus Montréal teachers and professors. Through this most noble profession, you are helping to shape the future generation.

Shown in photo: Scholarship holders; donors; (centre l. to r.) Liza Frulla, alumna and president of the faculty board; Dean Louise Poirier; John Parisella.