Toban talkback: THE BEST, WORST AND GENERAL DIRECTION of 2005

Aaron Levere, Staff
Photos By David Lipnowski

Wendy Bueckert, Third-year social work

What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2005?

I think the best thing was to realize my whole entire potential as to what I could do. Realizing where my bases are, where I start from and where I can reach to.

That’s great! Way to go! What’s the worst thing?

The downturn before that realization of where I was.

Based on what you’ve seen this year, would you say that things are getting better or worse?

A lot better. I think just because of the realizations I’ve come to and seeing how this school and everything has backed me up. And some things that have come through.

Kate Winiarz, Third-year sociology

What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2005?

Road trips. Lots and lots of road trips this year. It’s been fantastic. Montreal, Fargo, Minneapolis a few times.

What’s the worst?

The worst thing was getting hired at Convergence.

Okay, what’s Convergence?

It’s an inbound call centre. I do tech support for stupid Americans who can’t figure out how to use the Internet.

That sucks.

Yeah.

Based on what you’ve seen this year, would you say that things are getting better or worse?

Overall, for me they’re definitely getting better. I’m almost graduating. For Winnipeg, I think they’re getting a bit worse. Everything seems to be in a downward spiral. Businesses downtown are dwindling.

Joseph Cuison, Second-year fine arts

What’s the best thing that happened in 2005?

J.C.: Okay. I met this girl and she’s pretty fine and funny . . . and uh . . . I think she’s the one.

Right on! What’s the worst thing that happened?

J.C.: Worst thiiinnnng . . . Yeah, that would need some thought . . .

The girl: Getting diarrhea.

Did that happen?

The girl: Yeah!

J.C.: Okay, okay. This one time I had diarrhea and it just kind of expl . . . no, I don’t want to put that!

It’s your picture in the paper with this. It’s up to you. It happens. People get diarrhea.

J.C.: Okay, it just kind of exploded and I had to go straight home. I had to leave class. Eeeeeeughh.

(everyone laughs)

Based on 2005, do you think things are generally getting better or worse?

J.C: Oh, it’s getting better. Yeah, the girl does it. Life is picking up. I’m working and making money. I think I’m settling into my life right now.

Thanks to Abbey Muihead, Nathan Buschau and Keegan Walker for participating as well!