The older I get, the more interesting life gets! After close to 50 years in the workforce, 10 years in sales, 25 as a heavy duty mechanic and 15 as a mobile equipment fleet manager, I was forced to retire at age 65 because that was the law back then. I loved my job and would have kept on working if I had a choice. For 8 years, my wife and I travelled extensively but after a while I got bored. At the age of 73, Okanagan College offered me a postion as a substitute instructor teaching the Red Seal Interprovincial heavy duty mechanci's course.

I had been off the tools for 20 years and I knew I would have an incredible learning curve to be successful but I accepted the challenge and to my surprise, I found I really enjoyed teaching and I was able to connect with the students. About 18 months ago, while I still enjoyed teaching, I didn't enjoy the commute from Vernon to Kelowna and return every day so I decided to retire......AGAIN!

About two months ago OK College asked me if I would consider coming back as a sub. Since then, I have been back subbing and I must admit, enjoying it. Bearing in mind that I will turn 79 this summer, I find it very ironic that at age 65 I was too old and forced to retire but 14 year later, I am coaxed back into the work force. It is nice to be wanted and needed at my age but also ironic that there are apparently not many younger people with the combination of skills to take my place.

On the other hand, my message to you all is just because you are "old" don't sit around and feel sorry for yourself. If there is something you wanted to do, set about doing it. For me, age is a state of mind. I don't feel nearly 80 and I certainly don't act it.

If you want something to happen, do something about it!

My best regards to all of you!

Berk Shaw