On February 24th, 2025, my alma mater is proposing to shutter the program that gave me my career. Here’s why I care.

I disliked school all my life. If it weren't for all the fun I had goofing around with friends—getting into trouble—there's a good chance I'd have tried many more excuses to stay home. That’s especially true of elementary school and ¾ of high school. With an early birthday, my 18th was a treat. I was signing myself out at the office using whatever paper-thin excuses I had. My first college experience wasn’t any different; I dropped out within arms reach of getting my diploma. Too bad there weren't credits for deserting lectures.

I took some time off, worked a lot in a dead-end job, and even applied for another course in my hometown before cancelling it just weeks later. Back to the blind alley; impasse.

But things changed when I decided to move nearly four hours away for the only college level, writing-focused program I could find (literally) that wasn't journalism: Professional Writing at Algonquin College.

The course description sang. It was everything I wanted out of an education and career catalyst—and I wanted it badly. I’d never felt that way toward school before. It was exhilarating.

Fast forward two years to graduation and I made Honours. Twice. I became tenfold the writer (and student) I was before applying. I kickstarted my career—as a writer. Shortly after, I got paid—to write. I’ve earned promotions. I achieved a years-long dream of having my words in a respected design publication. And I know I’ll grow to do so much more because of the incredibly designed and substantial root structure that is the Professional Writing program. Its invigorating faculty gave me the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Good writing is the foundation of hundreds of jobs and the lifeblood of an equal number—and it’s more important now than ever before. The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence has discounted high-quality writing severely. It’s great for many things, but not for producing compelling writing. I see it every day in my industry and it won’t last. Good writing always wins.

I know for a fact I’m not the only person this program and its instructors spoke to on a deep level. When nothing else worked for me, this program and its people did. And they worked exceptionally well. All I can hope is that others like me have the same opportunity to catalyze their writing careers on the very same solid grounds.

Write the Board of Governors for Algonquin College here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/bog/contact-us/