If you read the title and started wondering “huhhh?”, well, it’s because I have some exciting news to share with you. Likewise, if you didn’t think that, I have exciting news anyway: I’ve been offered, and accepted, a new job as a Video Journalist for CTV Lethbridge!
I’m moving to Lethbridge, Alberta!
This is by far one of the most exciting opportunities I’ve ever had in my life. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and have been dreaming of since I got accepted in RTA at Ryerson. It’s my passion, it’s what I love to do, it’s what I studied, and it’s finally a real opportunity. I’ve been doing some freelancing recently (see, but do not judge, Camera Work page), and now is my chance to prove myself and work hard to establish a name for myself. A professional identity as a member of the media.
It comes with a few changes. The first, is living on my own, moving to a new city, and starting a new life. The second, is the new job.
If you’ve seen my bio page, you’ll have noticed I’ve lived in Toronto my entire life. I mean, the cover photo is me wearing a Toronto t-shirt.
This new opportunity pushes me out of my comfort zone to live in a new city and away from home. Not to say I’m about to struggle with nothing but the clothes on my back, but comfort is a hard thing to leave behind. This is the moment for personal growth and change, to stand on my own two feet (context: living with familiarity vs living without it), and work without any distractions or external priorities (no friends, family, or significant other).
Everyone’s been giving me fair warning about living on my own and what it’ll do to me. How it’ll affect me. How I’ll need to adjust. I thank everyone for offering their advice and I will take it with me. I do not deny the adjustment period nor the toll it takes. However, I’m looking forward to the challenge. I look forward to being uncomfortable at times so as to learn to adapt to it, getting used to and overcoming any isolation, and proving to myself that I can conquer whatever challenges come my way. Not that I couldn’t do all this while living in Toronto, but it’s different you know? (I can say that!).
On to the job.
I’m not sure if anyone knew this about me but I’ve always loved presenting. I’ve loved being able to share stories (whether I’m good at it or not is shown by how far down you’ve read at this point). I always wanted to be on camera, and more so, present the news. Since freelancing, it’s helped my confidence, my understanding of the world, self-understanding, and ability to effectively communicate. Everyday we hear about different stories and now I have the responsibility of presenting them to you. As I said earlier, this is an opportunity I’ve been dreaming about since university and is now a reality. Hopefully, this is the start of a prosperous career. I want to do a good job and I’ll be doing everything I can to succeed at it. Don’t get me wrong – it’s not that I don’t believe I’ll do good work, I’m just saying I’m nervous. It’s my first legitimate TV job, and I can’t wait. Who doesn’t get nervous and excited about a new job? I know I’m joining a great team. We’ve spoken a fair amount and I feel good about them, and can only put my best foot forward to add real value to them.
I think I’ll end here now by saying: Goodbye Toronto. You’ve been great to me my entire life. Thank you to everyone who supported me in any shape or form. All the encouragement, advice, and most importantly, belief in me, helped me on this journey. You will always be part of it, and I’m going to continue to be present so you can be proud of the person you’ve made me.
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