My name is Liz Joyce and I am on a new career journey after spending more than 20 years in the news business, primarily as an editor. After the closing of The Daily News in February 2008, I took the opportunity to plan my future and eventually decided to return to school.

I chose the Public Relations Advanced Diploma program at CompuCollege/The Eastern College in downtown Halifax. I have degrees in English and journalism, but it was an adjustment to return to school after so many years. It was the right decision for me, and my marks are even better than the first time around.

The beginning of the program focused on computer classes, and I’d have to say that learning and using PowerPoint was the most fun.

There are four students in the class, plus our instructor, and although we all come from varied backgrounds and span the generations, the five of us get along very well.

Last term, we learned a lot of theory, but this term, so far, everything has been hands-on. It’s been challenging and interesting working on communications for the annual Kermesse fun fair held by the IWK Auxiliary.

As my classmates and teacher know, I can get emotional, especially about anything to do with children. That is why the Kermesse project is so close to my heart. The auxiliary raises money for items that make a difference to patients, both in and out of hospital. For example, special wheelchairs are available for families to borrow so children can enjoy a holiday at the beach. And every child in hospital gets a gift on his or her birthday.

I also have a personal connection to the IWK Health Centre. My nephew, Luke Dunsworth, was cared for at the IWK in October 2000. Unfortunately, he passed away. His mother helped raise money toward a helideck project at the hospital and it was named Luke’s Landing in his honour. You can see his photo and a writeup about him and Luke’s Landing at the women’s site by the helideck elevator. If you visit the hospital, I urge you to check it out.

Also, my son has several medical issues and we visit the hospital often. He always says hello to the fish on our way to an appointment, and if the weather is good, we often visit the Playgarden, which was an auxiliary project. I also have great memories of the care I received when my son was born.

I will be attending Kermesse with him — and have a feeling we’ll be spending lots of time around the bouncy castles.

Liz