It’s official! My communications business is now an adult

By Sharon Aschaiek | Dec. 21, 2022

In 2004, I started freelance writing full time with the goals of better balancing work with parenthood and being my own boss. I didn’t have a clear direction, but I did enjoy writing and knew how to hustle.

Today, at 18 years old, this enterprise has evolved into more than I imagined. The journey has featured many perks: diverse and interesting projects, clients I genuinely enjoy collaborating with, the expansion of my knowledge and skills, and the joy of connecting and collaborating with other communications practitioners.

In becoming a specialist in higher education communications, I’ve gotten to meet and write about so many fascinating people, projects, programs and places. The spirit of inquiry and commitment to progress that drive this sector continually teach me new things and inspire me.

To mark this milestone, I’m sharing 18 highlights from my 18th year in business—six interesting work projects, six business developments and—because work always happens in balance with the rest of life—six personal activities.

Projects

Here are some of the most interesting projects I worked on this year that I can share with you (others are communication consulting projects for universities and colleges that happened behind the scenes).

1. I wrote a feature story for The York University Magazine about the 10th anniversary of the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. The folks at that school are pushing all sorts of boundaries in innovation, sustainability and diversity.

2. In an article for University of Toronto Magazine, I reported on a global study led by U of T researchers on how the white clover adapts to urbanization. Demonstrating how city life actually impacts biological evolution, the research can help us rethink how we conserve biodiversity.

3. Among my contributions to University Affairs this year was a story about a multi-university initiative to mitigate the climate crisis by storing carbon from the atmosphere into rock below the ocean floor—proving yet again that human ingenuity knows no bounds.

4. For Toronto Metropolitan University, I wrote a story about a biomedical engineering undergraduate student who has co-created an AI-based smartphone app that helps people with diabetes make better food choices. I was inspired by this student’s ingenuity and passion to help solve a problem that affects so many.

5. Each year, the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s University holds an engineering research networking day. I had the opportunity to collaborate with Cathy Ledden, creative director of Ledden Design iT, on the web content and design for its 2022 event.

6. Among the most inspiring people I write about are immigrants who find their way in Canada partly by completing Occupation-specific Language Training offered by Colleges Ontario. Vishal Modal, originally from India, benefited from the health care-focused course, and is now on his way to resuming his career as a dentist.

Business

2022 was a year of firsts for my company as I pushed beyond my limits, explored new business growth opportunities, and connected with more professionals in and adjacent to the higher ed sector.

7. This year, I took a new step in growing my business by hiring my first-ever employee, Nathan Lemay. I’m happy to now have on board communications and business development assistant Ruba Hassan. Being an employer is a meaningful learning experience and it’s a pleasure sharing my expertise with newer communicators.

8. Another first for me this year was hosting a professional development event for my sector, the 6th Annual Marketing & Communications for Post Secondary Conference. Thank you for the opportunity, Renee Summers of Summers Direct and Andrea Tubbs of Swansea Communications.

9. I also sponsored my first conference, the 2022 SEMM Forum by Brainstorm Strategy Group, Canada’s largest event for post-secondary marketing, recruitment, student success and enrolment management. One of the highlights was hearing a speech by Canadian Olympian Sarah Wells!

10. To help the next generation of communicators, I continued to volunteer for the program advisory committees of Humber College’s Professional Writing and Communications program and Creative and Professional Writing program.

11. I also enjoyed co-creating my first postcard to promote my business (featured in the above banner). Thank you, Cathy Ledden of Ledden Design iT, for bringing your creative talent to this project.

12. While this one took place late last year, it’s worth sharing that I volunteered as a judge for the 2021 Canadian Online Publishing Awards. It was fascinating learning about the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating excellent digital content.

Personal

This was a year of more spirituality, travel to a new place—within the country and by Via Rail, but still a delight after the lengthy pandemic restrictions—and investment in causes I care about.

13. My meditation practice grew stronger, helped along by my involvement in two sanghas and my participation in the Power of Awareness course by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Sadly, this year saw the passing of my two most beloved teachers, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and Father Charles Ogada, who both made a tremendous impact during their lifetimes on awakening humanity’s wisdom and compassion and advancing social progress.

14. Having always deeply cared about my son’s educational journey and the public education system as a whole, I began volunteering on the School Council of Thornlea Secondary School, and on the Parent, Family and Community Education Advisory Committee for the York Region District School Board.

15. With the climate crisis continuing to accelerate, taking action to promote change became even more important to me, leading me to volunteer as a marshal at a climate protest at Queen’s Park. Among the local groups leading this critical movement are Fridays for Future Toronto, Climate Voice and Indigenous Climate Action.

16. This past summer, I traveled to Ottawa for the first time, together with my 16-year-old son—a keen follower of democracy, governance and geopolitical trends—to explore the House of Commons, the Senate, the Mint, the Governor General’s Residence and the Byward Market.

17. On the dessert front, I discovered—and made several batches of—my new favourite treat recipe, s’mores cookie bars.

18. I continued to support charities that help to transform suffering and lift up humanity in part through a focus on education. Once again, I have made donations to these charities on behalf of all my clients: the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation, Joy Villages and the Malala Fund.

Of course, a key highlight of 2022 was collaborating with your universities and colleges to bring your communications projects to life. Thank you for trusting me with the important task of telling your best stories, engaging your key stakeholders and making gains on your organizational goals.

May the warmth and merriment of the holiday season bring joy to you and your loved ones.