Adventure is out
there!
Sean Previl has written feature articles for The Hub almost since our inception. We’ve
loved working with Sean over the past year, and have enjoyed supporting him in his
efforts to strengthen his craft and talent. The Hub asked Sean to share his thoughts on
saying goodbye to our readers and our community. Here’s what he had to say.
For the first time in two years I will not be attending Orientation at St. Clair College today (August 28). I
also won’t be walking into the newsroom at the Mediaplex the first day of school, nor will I be taught by the
amazing teachers I’ve learned so much from. I’m about to take a huge step from Windsor “across the pond” to
England to attend the University of Kent to study for a Master of Arts in multimedia journalism. Given this big
step, I wanted to wish farewell to the people I’ve met and the city that’s helped to turn me into the person I’ve
become.
When I came to Windsor in April 2012, I had no idea what was waiting for me. It was a pleasant start,
performing in Spamalot! with Windsor Light Music Theatre and making my first friends in the city with a shared
interest in theatre.
It was St. Clair College however, that really made my time in Windsor. As someone with Asperger’s
Syndrome, I wasn’t sure what to expect, between having my social quirks and being one of the oldest in my year
at 24, but what I discovered instead was a group of people who understood me.
While at St. Clair I learned how to be a journalist and ask the tough questions, something not easy for me,
as approaching people and being aggressive isn’t the easiest thing. The professors helped me develop more of a
backbone. I already had the personality, but St. Clair’s program gave me the confidence and skills I needed to
succeed. In addition, I’ll also admit the teachers and people in those halls kept me sane. I had people I could talk
to about any issues I had with school or my own personal life without any judgment.
However, it wasn’t only St. Clair College that changed me but the city and its people. I have lived in the
small city of St. Thomas, the large city of London and then I came here to Windsor and finally felt like I was
home. With its beautiful riverfront, various tourism destinations to enjoy including the Art Gallery of Windsor
and Caesar’s Windsor, and the numerous cultural neighbourhoods, there’s always something new to discover. I’ve
also met so many people who are so friendly and welcoming. As a journalist you are always at risk of making
someone angry when digging into a story, but the people of Windsor have never raised their voice or made me
feel unwelcome when I’ve been out reporting. They have complimented my work, thanked me for telling their
stories and helped me know I’m doing the job I’m meant to do.
As it’s almost time for me to leave, I couldn’t be happier with the journey I’ve gone through in Windsor
and what it has given me. Although I know my next journey is going to be a great one, it’s still going to be
difficult to leave this city. Farewell for now Windsor and thank-you.
Sean Previl
20 The HUB - September 2014