L i s a M i r i a m C h e r n i a k
"I was graced to be brought up not by a sage for an older sister and by a mother who subscribed to the values of human rights in all its elements. Luckily, as well, for me, my family subscribed to three newspapers of solid journalism: The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and the New York Times.
I am a descendent of the Cherniaks who escaped from the anti-semitic Ukranian programs of the eacly 1900s, on my father's side, and the Soleils who escaped the Spanish Inquisition on my mother's side.
In my personal rocky, younger world, I could empathize with others' tribulations and my heroes were chiefly Michelle Landsberg, Barbara Frum, and many of the other top female and male journalists who showed me that they could expose injustices and help bring positive change into the world.
Some say we know what we want to do in life from a very young age. I didn't always listen to my heart, but once I did, and delved into journalism, I created my ideal of a fulfilling life and never looked back."