I am excited to introduce myself as the newest reporter at the Cochrane Eagle. As a born-and-raised Calgarian, I have been to Cochrane a few times before, but I am eager to learn more about this fast-growing community.
I have fond memories of visiting Cochrane as I was growing up. I remember being thrilled to drive down the “big hill” because I knew there was usually ice cream waiting at the bottom. I am sure you get sick of hearing about how good Cochrane’s ice cream is – but seriously, you have good ice cream.
As I got older, I learned that there were other things at the bottom of that hill. The Texas Gate was a prime destination for those of us who had just turned 18 in the far northwest of Calgary. It was usually quicker than going to downtown in the city.
I had my first real country-dance with an actual cowboy there – not like the city boys who pretend for a week during the Stampede with a hat and belt buckle. I also had my first shot of whiskey at the Texas Gate – not something I enjoyed as much as the dance.
During the past few weeks, I have learned there is so much more to Cochrane than I had known before working here.
It is the most beautiful looking town to drive into every morning; you have a wonderful thriving art and music scene; and some of the best coffee I have had in my life. You sure are making it hard for a girl to kick her caffeine addiction, Cochrane.
But enough about coffee and ice cream – let me tell you a bit about myself.
I am a recent graduate of the journalism program at Mount Royal University (MRU) and I also have a degree in sociology from the University of Calgary. I have written for BeatRoute, Absolute Underground, the Calgary Journal and I worked for Gen Why Media in Vancouver.
I really enjoy writing about music, culture, crime and deviance – something I specialized in at U of C. I wrote an undergraduate sociology thesis comparing heavy metal in Alberta to our cowboy culture. Yes, believe it or not, there is a connection.
At MRU, I did a four-month investigation with a fellow student on the sex trade in Alberta, which ended up winning us a 2013 Canadian Association of Journalists award.
I am passionate about telling stories that are not often told. I think that is our job as journalists – to be the voice for those who often go unheard in society. I hope to do that here at the Eagle and I am excited to work with such a talented team.
I really want to get to know the people and the issues in Cochrane and surrounding areas, so if you see me please say hello or send me an email.
We can chat about metal, cowboys and whatever else you think I need to know about in your fine town.
