Fran Day
Co-Owner / Co-Operator, Codiac Organics
Fran Day is a co-owner of Codiac Organics in Moncton NB, along with her husband Mark. They are in their 4th season of growing certified organic vegetables and are parents to 8 adopted children.
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What are you most proud of professionally?
I guess early on as a young adult, I was most proud of getting employment with the then NBTel (now Bell Aliant) out of high-school. Within a short period, I was able to move up the ranks and be part of the first experiences of 'internet' in the Maritimes as a technician and internet security researcher. I was part of a team of 5 that had the first global email addresses from the Maritimes. After almost 20 years service, I was able to retire heading into our 5th adoption of an 8 year old girl.
Fran Day is a co-owner of Codiac Organics in Moncton NB, along with her husband Mark. They are in their 4th season of growing certified organic vegetables and are parents to 8 adopted children.
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What are you most proud of professionally?
I guess early on as a young adult, I was most proud of getting employment with the then NBTel (now Bell Aliant) out of high-school. Within a short period, I was able to move up the ranks and be part of the first experiences of 'internet' in the Maritimes as a technician and internet security researcher. I was part of a team of 5 that had the first global email addresses from the Maritimes. After almost 20 years service, I was able to retire heading into our 5th adoption of an 8 year old girl.
What's your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
I would love to see families take more of an initiative into eating healthy and having more active lifestyles. Too much is loss in doing what everybody else is doing - families need to find their own unique niches and make great memories out of them. Seeing whole communities support local farmers, local financial institutions (Credit Unions) - really getting local is something I'd love to see again. As a grower/farmer, I now pay attention to who supports our farm, and in turn I try to support them should I need their services, anything from barbers to massage therapists, mechanics to medical professionals.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
As a young adult I guess knowing not to pursue things that are obviously going to be too much of a challenge, knowing that perhaps that might mean a different path should be followed. Realizing this does not mean giving up, it means growing up. Being an organic grower, investigating and learning many more aspects of what seems to be causing an extraordinarily amount of unnecessary illnesses, I am proud to be growing food in a manner in which I know can contribute and help in assisting those interested in improving, regaining or reclaiming their health.
What's your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
I'd have to say that one of my most inspiring podcast listens ever would have to have been the FASD Elephant. Having adopted some children with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), that particular podcast brought all the readings and experiences in dealing with FASD affected children into a more understanding limelight and how to care and help them cope with day-to-day life. It's given me a bit of a looking glass into many lives I sometimes encounter on a regular basis.
What's your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
My deepest learning from the past year is realizing that I cannot physically and emotionally infuse myself in every situation or project. I must be wise in deciding where my time and efforts should be best used and as how they can better benefit me, my family and/or our farm overall going forward.
Who's inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
I have been fortunate enough to have been able to draw from many people in my life. Many have inspired me in many ways. The most inspiring of all however is Jesus Christ. He went through so much in his short life, yet we still celebrate and honor His teachings and birth.
What would you have done differently?
I don't think I would change any of what has occurred or developed for me during my life thus far. The only hope I would have in doing it again, as I am sure many would agree, is learning lessons earlier in life and applying them to experiences much sooner. We unfortunately live in a culture that does not respect or want to learn best practices from elders. It's sad in so many ways that so many of us are resistant to learning the best ways to deal with what's already been experienced and overcome. Why we feel we must fight the inevitable in many ways will likely remain a mystery for a long time.
What were your priorities and how did they help you overcome some of the struggles you've faced?
I believe everything happens for a reason. If turmoil or issues start to develop during a relationship or even business transaction, it tells me to back off and re-access, to take my time and review what is happening and to determine if it is still in my best interest, that of our farm or of our family. If I feel pressured or push into a situation, am I hopeful I can put on the brakes and ensure I am making the best choice possible.
How have you recovered from fractured professional relationships? What uncomfortable truths have you learned about yourself in those experiences?
Oh, there is still a struggle at times in dealing with individuals with whom I gave my all with but they ended up taking advantage of me or our family in some capacity. I've learned that it's something you cannot control but you shouldn't let that stop you from doing what you feel is right. There will always be those who want to taint your efforts for good for whatever reason, the only way to combat those issues and move forward is to continue to aim high and do what you know is right.
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Certified Organic Grower, Wife, Adoptive mom of 8
