Ellen Roseman
I never thought I’d be a journalist, since I hated writing in high school. Composition was one of my least favourite subjects. When asked to write a composition on a Grade 11 English matriculation exam, I was so exhausted after cramming all night for a history exam that I ended up writing nothing at all and losing many marks.
So, how did I end up writing for a living? While going to McGill University, I walked into the McGill Daily office one day and was thrown into doing news articles. From the very first piece published, I knew that writing about real-life events was much more meaningful and challenging than writing compositions. After getting an MA in philosophy, I landed my first job in September 1969 doing business journalism.
Almost 40 years later, I’m doing three columns a week for the Toronto Star on personal finance and consumer issues. There’s a great need for information and advice in these areas, so I’m busier than ever. I’m teaching continuing education courses and I have a blog, www.ellenroseman.com, with lively conversations and comments from readers across Canada.
I’ve been married for 35 years this June. Edward is also from Montreal, but we only met when living in Toronto. We have two sons in their 20s, both University of Toronto graduates, still figuring out what to do with their lives. My husband works for a big bank in communications. We’re virtual empty nesters (though one son lives with us) and enjoying the opportunity to travel more and buy fewer groceries.
From left to right: Son Charles, Ellen, son Richard, and husband, Edward Trapunski
By looking back at our younger selves and reaching out to those who knew us as we were growing up, we can understand what made us into the people we are today. Connecting is important and I’m much better at it now than as a shy adolescent. I’m hoping to make new connections with my old friends and classmates.