People are what keeps this secretary happy
Maria Canton
Northern News Services
NNSL (Apr 21/99) - Working with people in high energy environments is what Kristin Levesque enjoys about the secretarial placements she receives through Office Compliments.
"I like change and learning all the time," she says. "I'm happiest when I'm learning and once I've met a challenge I like to move on to the next one."
Working for Canadian North in downtown Yellowknife since January, Levesque says she also enjoys the freedom temporary placements offer.
"I have grandchildren down South and I like to be able to leave and visit them without worrying about my job," says Levesque.
She has worked for many companies in Yellowknife in the past six years. One of her most memorable experiences was spending a week at the Ekati Diamond Mine sorting out six months worth of filing.
"I stayed up there and every morning I would get picked up in a huge truck and taken to this little, tiny trailer with plywood floors," she says. "That job was something different."
Levesque is one of many secretaries who is being recognized this week for hard work and dedication. Today is officially Secretary's Day and local flower shops, gift stores and restaurants have been busy all week with employers wanting to express their appreciation.
"We are extremely busy," admits florist Lee Proud of Grower Direct.
"I'd say it (secretary's week) is one of the busiest weeks of the year, other than Mother's Day and Valentine's Day."
To show their appreciation, the local Chamber of Commerce has been running a radio advertisement all week thanking all of the secretaries in Yellowknife, while some local restaurants have had lunch specials everyday.
"We wanted to thank everybody because they (secretaries) are a major asset to every company," says Ellie Sasseville, office manager of the Chamber of Commerce.
Constantly dealing with customers and working in the public eye means secretaries have to have high-energy, be upbeat, enjoy people and carry a sense of humour.
"You know, on good days I can type over 80 words a minute," jokes Levesque.
