written January, 2013

Does Social Media have a place in the high school classroom? What might it look like? And how can it be best implemented?

These were a few of the questions being tackled by alumnus Keith Bauer ('07) in his first radio broadcast at Humber College. We got a chance to catch up with Keith recently, when he stopped by VC to interview a few teachers about the possibilities and challenges of incorporating social media into their teaching.

 

Although nervous about recording his first interview, Keith's love for radio and broadcasting was evident during his visit. After testing out Environmental Governance at the University of Guelph and then Architecture at Fanshawe College, Keith found a home and passion in the Radio Broadcasting program at Humber College. He is particularly enjoying his class on commercial writing. "It is so great to have found something that I know I really want to do," he says. Reflecting on the twists and turns of his own post-secondary experiences, Keith offers the class of 2013 some advice: "Don't do something you won't enjoy doing," he says. "You're still young when you graduate, and you don't have to know how you want to spend the rest of your life right away. Try something out, but don't be closed to the possibility that you might want to change your mind and your career path. Believe me, that's ok."

What's next for Keith? Ideally, a career in sports radio. Whether as a sports analyst or talk show host, Keith hopes he will be able infuse his love of sports with his newfound passion in broadcasting. Keith was an integral part of the VC golf team, and he continues to golf—and play baseball—whenever he gets the chance. While sports have always been a big part of his life, Keith's most memorable experiences at VC are not limited to the athletic arena. He has fond memories of playing alto sax with the senior band, and maintains that his Grade 12 trip to Vimy Ridge for the 90^th annual rededication of the Vimy Ridge Memorial to Canadian soldiers is still one of the most humbling experiences he's had to date. The COR retreat—a precursor to VC's KAIROS legacy—is also a memory that Keith holds dear. "COR was a great opportunity to establish a close bond with friends," he remembers. And this bond remains today, as many of Keith's close friends are those he made in high school.

Talking up with old teachers and standing in the doorway of old classrooms put the VC experience into perspective for Keith. "Going to school at a place like VC is a privilege," he asserts. "My advice for current students? Well, not to waste it. Especially everything the teachers offer you. The teachers are such a great resource; their availability and attitude is so great. They are preparing you for life after high school in so many ways."

Keith's final message for the VC community: "Thank you. Thanks for everything. You know, when I got [to VC] I was shy—really shy. This environment really brought out a more confident me, and that's a great feeling."

Stop by again, Keith! We're looking forward to hearing you on the radio soon!