As a recent Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), journalism graduate, I’m excited to introduce myself as the new reporter for the Chestermere Anchor weekly newspaper.
I’m thrilled to be beginning my journalistic career here writing local stories for Chestermere and starting this new chapter in life.
Previously I have been a part of two other weekly newspapers one in Red Deer Alta., and the other in Airdrie Alta.
I have always enjoyed story-telling and being involved with events happening around the community, so for me, going to journalism school was an easy decision.
Before my time at SAIT I was convinced I wanted to strictly be a photojournalist, however, the more people I met, interviews I conducted, stories I wrote, portraits I took, and videos I filmed I realized I wanted to do it all.
I was on the right path for me.
Most journalists will say the primary reason they became involved within the media was because they love to tell people’s stories, although it’s cliché it’s the truth for me too.
My family moved from an oil field driven town called Rainbow Lake to Central Alberta approximately 15 years ago in order for me to have a chance at a more successful life.
Growing up I saw my family struggle with the flux and flow of the oil and gas industry, and the uncertainties it caused in their everyday lives.
After watching my family become more unsure of each passing day, I realized I wanted to do something completely different.
I knew I wanted to pursue photography after I had taken photography classes through the high school I attended.
Once I graduated from high school I bought my first Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera and began taking photography classes at the Red Deer College (RDC), where I learned the basics of picture taking and how to use my camera efficiently.
After my third semester at RDC I applied for journalism at SAIT and began studying later that summer.
When I’m not working on stories I like to go for drives throughout the country side and take photos of anything that I find interesting or walk around down town Calgary practicing street photography.
I also enjoy hiking, stand up paddle boarding, longboarding, and surfing, although I have never tried to surf on the Bow River.
