Passion

A few years ago, I had to write an essay about a contemporary urban planning challenge in Toronto.  My Google search ('urban planning challenges Toronto') for possible topics yielded a website with the following photograph:

http://www.blogto.com/city/2011/12/a_history_of_public_toilets_in_toronto/

I was captivated.  I was mesmerized.  I was spellbound.  I was inspired by this enchanting black and white photograph.  Here was my topic: planning challenges of public toilet provision in Toronto.  Specifically, I wanted to know: where did all the public toilets go, and why?  But, where would I start?  I had a photograph, but little more.  Slowly, I gathered resources and I gathered data.  I gathered all the information I could about public toilets—in Toronto and elsewhere.  The more research I did, the more I found the subject of public toilet provision fascinating, especially its political history. 

Of all the essays I wrote while at university, this one was my favourite.  I felt excited to write it and excited to share my findings with anyone brave enough to listen to me.  In fact, I was so hooked on the subject of public toilet provision that I went on to write a research paper (later published) and my Master’s dissertation on it.  And now I’m writing a blog on the subject. 

Yes, I'm passionate about public toilet provision—about its deep social relevance.  And this is more or less how it happened.