If I wanted to have influence, I chose the wrong career path.

There were two distinct possibilities in 1963 when I graduated from Ryerson, my journalism diploma clutched firmly in my hand — newspapers or advertising.

I opted for the former. My friend, Ron Buist, the latter. Ron went on to become head of advertising at Tim Hortons where he coined the slogan, “roll up the rim to win.”

I had my chance. I graduated top of my class (says she modestly) and had a close friend whose father was president of MacLaren’s, then one of the largest advertising agencies in the country. He made the suggestion I might like to go to work for them.

I opted for the Orillia Daily Packet and Times.

I might have been happy at MacLaren’s. It had the federal Liberal account and I was a great fan of Lester Pearson.

What I........

© Peterborough Examiner