When I was younger, I would always dream of different professions or career paths. When I was in elementary school, a visit to a local science centre convinced me that I would be the first person to discover water on Mars. Once I realized that in order to become an astronaut you have to be good at science, I quickly rethought my position. Next, I was convinced that I wanted to be a lawyer, probably in part thanks to the ’90s TV show JAG. That dream stuck with me all through high school, until I realized that the world of law, and the intricacies of the legal code were not at all like on TV.

I was at a figurative crossroads. That’s when my love of English, and my love of reading began to lead me towards the path of professional writing.

Following high school, I enrolled at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, initially in a general arts and science program — until I realized that it was perhaps a little too general for my taste.

I studied journalism for two years at the college, after which I worked at my hometown newspaper, The Grimsby Lincoln News. Throughout my time at The News I was constantly applying for jobs across Canada, but the last thing I expected was to actually get a job in British Columbia. In fact, this was the one job I was relatively certain that I would never be hired for. However, off I went, packing my little Toyota Tercel with all of my worldly possessions for a trip cross-country.

After five days of some of the most mind-numbing, soul-crushing driving that I could ever imagine, I finally hit the Rocky Mountains Saturday afternoon.  I can honestly say I have never been anywhere as breathtakingly scenic as Invermere, and I am beyond excited to begin my career in earnest for the Valley Echo. I sincerely hope you will welcome me as part of your beautiful community.