Subject: Mr. Menzella's OA World Issues Class - Posted: 2003 02 08

A lot of people have classes or teachers that change their lives. While "I loved my OA World Issues class!" wont be my last words, it certainly was a lot of fun. I was fortunate(?) to take it last year (2001-02) when the world was rocked by the terrorist attacks on New York. Mr. Menzella, the class teacher, completely redesigned the entire course after September 11th. He scrapped his planned Term 1, and instead led in-depth discussions on the underlying reasons behind the attacks, the history of the Middle East and much more. The years dual culminations were visiting Ground Zero on the class trip to New York, and organizing and running a conference where we brought together some of the brightest minds in Canada to discuss the effects of the infamous day. Panel members were wide and varied, from local MP's to professors to religious men of different faiths. I learned more in that course, and had more fun that in any other Id taken before or taken since. So, Mr. Menzella, excellent job on creating a course that not only was spectacularly entertaining and enjoyable, but also educational and relevant.