From the Editor: Reflecting on my journalism journey, saying goodbye to KPU

I first understood the power of journalism when I was only seven years old. 

It was February 2009, and the children’s charity Variety BC was running its annual Show of Hearts Telethon, hosted by Global BC. My elementary school would raise money each year to support Variety BC, and a few lucky students were chosen to present the cheque during the live show. 

I remember when I was selected to be one of the presenters. Bubbling with excitement, I knew this would be a breakout moment for me. I was thrilled to represent my Grade 2 class, knowing l’d gain some popularity points among my classmates. (I know, the trivialities of being a child.) 

I had about two lines to say on camera, and so I rehearsed everywhere I went. I recalled those lines better than my home address and phone number — that was until I stepped on the telethon’s stage. 

The glaring stage lights cast heat on my body and the words on the TelePrompTer no longer looked like English. The pressure of making my classmates proud weighed on me, and when Global BC meteorologist Kristy Gordon prompted me to speak, all I could squeak out was “I forget.” 

Fighting back tears, I stood on live television contemplating my life. How on Earth could I go back to school and face my classmates after embarrassing myself in front of the entire province? 

What I thought would be the most humiliating day of my life turned into a precious memory, all because of reporter Mike McCardell. He saw my devastation and created a story for the Global News 6:00 pm news hour, which highlighted the sadness I felt after messing up my lines and the vulnerability that comes with being seven years old. He also gave me the chance to resay my lines for all viewers to see — it was the redemption I craved. I left the telethon feeling on top of the world.

As I got older and the time came to pick a career, journalism was the obvious choice. Knowing I could someday help someone the same way McCardell helped me gave me all the motivation I needed to pursue the field. 

I started my journalism degree at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the fall of 2019. Within the first few weeks of my Introduction to Journalism class, staff from The Runner came to visit our class, encouraging us to contribute to the paper. At that moment, I remember thinking to myself that I wanted to be editor in chief of The Runner one day.  

As I continued my degree, this goal seemed further and further out of reach. Journalism proved to be more challenging than I had imagined, and I questioned whether this was a field I was even made for. 

Reaching out to sources and conducting interviews was anxiety inducing. I felt too slow at writing and not inquisitive enough to come up with story ideas that packed a punch. I couldn’t imagine myself ever holding people in power accountable or asking the hard questions that could result in backlash. 

But I pushed myself to see these challenges through, and with time, motivation, and a lot of courage, I managed to land myself a position at The Runner in 2021 as a video producer. 

Over the past two and a half years, I’ve worked in editorial positions at the paper, and last May, I was elected editor in chief. Having the opportunity to serve as editor in chief and keep the KPU community informed has been an absolute pleasure and privilege. 

I learn so much every single day working at The Runner, and I know I am both a stronger journalist and person because of it. I’ve faced many doubts and challenges over my place in journalism, but I’ve come to learn that being able to tell people’s stories and strive to spark change is my calling. 

The 2025 spring semester marks the final chapter in my university story. As I leave KPU and The Runner, I take precious memories, life-long friendships, and an invaluable amount of learning and experience with me. 

University is an environment that encourages students to explore, take risks, and find their true calling. By taking up these opportunities, you can graduate knowing not only more about what you want to do with your life but who you are as a person. 

As I write my final editorial, all of this is to say that if you have a dream, don’t let challenges or self-doubt cast those aspirations away. With passion and drive, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to — even if aspects of that scare you.