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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 11, 2012 · 20 Career Coaches banquet a success Continued from page 19 we expected. Our skepticism disappeared. The women at the table were all amazing, and the more we talked, the more we enjoyed ourselves. Though careers were obviously a topic of conversation, we were easily sidetracked when we found out that we all read similar books and watched similar shows (if not the same ones). Conversations that started with, "What do you do in your spare time?" ended with in-depth conversation about the latest episode of whatever show it was, and that's just at the table. "Every single one of them (the spotlight speakers) went through some sort of difficulty, and came out stronger for it. They're incredible women and a powerful inspiration. They're proof that hard work pays off." Meredith Johnson and Katie Chesire The "Spotlight Speakers" were incredibly real. They didn't glam up their careers or their stories. Every single one of them went through some sort of difficulty, and came out stronger for it. They're incredible women, and a powerful inspiration. They're proof that hard work pays off. They were a mix of fashionistas, single moms, pilots, painters and paramedics. We would encourage anyone who is lucky enough to receive an invite to go. It's an amazing experience and a night that you'll never forget. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to someday pay respect and mentor a student. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out - School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at dykes@cogeco.ca.