Q: Where were you born?
I was born in beautiful Hamilton in the early 90s.
Q: What drew you to journalism as a career?
I think the groundwork for this started in Grade 12 in a social issues class. We did a deep dive into Steve Buist’s Code Red series for the Hamilton Spectator, which looked at the significant differences of average life expectancy in the city. I was enthralled by the work Buist did on it and I still consider it to be one of the finest pieces of journalism I have ever read.
Later on when I moved away to college for the first time, I kept up with Hamilton by reading the news. This carried on when I moved back home when I bounced from various jobs. It clicked on one frustrating day that I have always loved writing but was not much of a fiction-fan. I loved reading the news and now I wanted to write it.
Q: Any favourite spots in Guelph?
I’m a simple man, I love a nice pub and McCabe’s is a short walk away. I haven’t been able to enjoy Guelph as much as I had hoped because I moved here in early March 2020 but I overall love the feel of the downtown area here.
Q: Best part of the job?
I enjoy getting to dive into the in-and-outs of municipal/civic issues as they are so important to people’s everyday lives without them even knowing sometimes.
Q: Worst part of the job?
Waiting on a response on an important/pressing story. Journalists feel an urgency, but of course, sources aren’t usually feeling the same pressure.
Q: Cats or dogs?
I love both but there’s something about cats that just clicks for me. They have such an interesting personality to them that is both independent yet needy at the same time. Easier to take care of too.
Q: Favourite binge-worthy show?
Mr. Robot is an under-appreciated TV show that more people should watch. It’s probably even better now that you can view the whole series on your own schedule.
Q: Read much?
You’re more likely to find me diving into a long article rather than a novel.
Q: Dream vacation?
Europe for food, drink and history. I would love to do Spain, France and Germany in one-go.
Q: Working from home. Good or bad?
It reminds me of journalism school honestly, which works because I’m not too far off from that time. It has its perks but I was looking forward to being part of that classic “newsroom.”
We’ll get back there soon.
Q: Three people from history you’d like to have dinner with?
Hunter S. Thompson, Sir Robert Borden and Robertine Barry.
Q: Name something cool about Guelph?
It has a small town feel in a larger city. It’s a nice change of pace from Hamilton while still having the things I’m used to.
Q: If you weren’t a reporter you would be a …?
Accountant or small restaurant owner (take-out style or diner)
Q: Food that brings back childhood memories?
Cookies and Creme chocolate bar
Q: What’s something you’d like readers to know about your job?
It’s harder than it seems to come up with topics, ideas and news stories every single day.
