Zainab Al-Mehdar
Pontiac February 9, 2022
Today marks my last day working for The Equity, a bittersweet goodbye.
I remember when I first started working here with everything being new I asked so many questions but people were always patient and generous with their time in educating me about the area and teaching me how to get around and never to trust Google maps because sometimes she will lead you to an abandoned field. I’ve gotten lost, taken wrong turns but always managed to find my way back to the office thankfully.
But exploring a new area was what drove me to take this job in the first place. The Pontiac is now home to my favourite restaurants, cafés, waterfronts, and beautiful landscapes that you don’t get in the city.
I have interviewed so many people in this past year and gotten to know the talented, creative and athletic people that make this region so special. So I want to thank everyone for their time and hospitality for opening up to me and allowing me to tell their story because it has been a real pleasure.
Being here I have been able to tackle a range of topics but it was in those local stories that I got to know the people and see the generosity of this region and how everyone looks out for one another and that has been very eye opening and refreshing to see. It has taught me a lot.
On the fun side, I got to learn about beekeeping, bird watching, running a business, operating a farm and along the way met so many animals which is always a treat, and now I have so much to take with me in my next opportunity.
I have to admit it was certainly intimidating at first not knowing much about the region but everyone has been so kind and warm during my time here.
I want to thank my colleagues, for making it very hard to leave because they have made this experience very memorable. They have guided me through this job that at times was hard but were always encouraging, so I am forever grateful for your support.
I hate goodbyes because they feel permanent. It signals the end of something but having worked here for a little over a year, I’ll never not come back to visit. Thank you for having me.












