I first saw Mike in a psycho-education session at AMI-Quebec, in 1998. The topic of the evening included a viewing of Mike’s 1st documentary that he made in 1995 and a round-table discussion. I remember being amazed at how calm and well thought out his answers were, especially when he was asked about his future aspirations of being a father. A few years later, I met Mike again when he started working for AMI-Quebec, as the administrative assistant. One of his tasks was to perform bookkeeping duties. You cannot see, but I’m smiling right now. It was due to Mike’s perseverance and obsessive-ness about details that made him perfect for the position! There were times Mike and AMI-Quebec felt he could not do the job, but I saw potential, and I’m glad Mike plugged along (and Ella, his boss, trusted me on this one). Not only did he learn and understand all that was shown to him (credits, debits, payroll deductions, insurance, filing cabinet systems, bank reconciliation…. which is no small feat for a non-accountant) but he upgraded the accounting system, and put the books in pristine order. At the end of that first year, the auditors congratulated him on a wonderful job – there were no corrections to be made! I’m very proud of Mike (can you tell?). His drive to fulfill what he sets his mind to is inspiring. I have much to learn from him.

Have a wonderful day,
Giovanna Donnini