It all started about four years ago while I was at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ont. I was sitting with about 90 nervous students in a packed lecture hall when a short, silver-haired woman approached the podium.
Introducing herself as the program co-ordinator for the journalism program at the college, she posed a question to us, “Why are you here?”
The lecture hall fell silent as we searched ourselves for an answer to her query.
I raised my hand.
She acknowledged me, and before I could compose myself, I blurted out my answer, “I’m here for adventure,” I said.
Two years later, I graduated from the journalism program. That summer, I spent the summer and fall working as a staff writer for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. I can hear all of you Eskimo fans booing me right now.
Following my time with the Tiger-Cats, I wrote articles for various online magazines until 2009 when I landed a freelance position with a community publication based in Mississauga, Ont., which is my hometown.
One night in November of 2010, I was searching job boards looking for an opportunity when I came across a job posting for a Sports Reporter at the Barrhead Leader. I applied for the job then went to bed.
Ten days later, my ticket to adventure arrived in the form of a job offer from Carol Farnalls, the publisher here at the Leader.
Only in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d have to pack up my life and move across the country.
But on Jan. 1, as I drove north up Highway 33 and saw the lights of Barrhead glowing against the night sky it was surreal how my wild dream became a reality.
I spent my first day exploring Barrhead, and I’ve got to say I’m impressed with everything in the town.
I was especially in awe of the hundreds of cattle I saw feeding on the west side of the highway across from the industrial park.
That is something I have never seen! I’ve lived in the city all of my life so it’s Ok if you laugh at me.
I’ve met a handful of you already (you know who you are) and want to take this time to thank you for your friendliness towards me.
I’m excited to be here.
I’m excited to tell your stories.
I’m excited to be part of the Barrhead Leader as their new sports/community reporter. Everybody here at the Leader has welcomed me with open arms. I feel at home.
I want to thank Carol Farnalls and Keith Lacey for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do and wish Keith all the best in his new position as publisher of the Bonnyville Nouvelle.
I want to thank Marion Properzi for offering me a place to live. I am amazed at your generosity and kindness.
So, if you see me at IGA grabbing my morning coffee or at the Prairie Chef enjoying a plate of poached eggs with sausage and potatoes, don’t hesitate to say hi. I won’t bite… hard.
