Julie McCann's Camayak portfolio

First Person: As a worker, I am not a robot

"Tell me, what happens when someone is emotionally detached from their job?" writes the author. — Photo credit: Angel Belair-Poirier

They offered me a full-time job and I accepted. I had finally landed my dream job. I was incorporated in a team of highly skilled professionals and they all had over 10 years of working experience. They didn’t talk very much but I could tell that their knowledge far exceeded mine. With the immense layers to this position, I skated...

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First Person: Breaking away from being a people pleaser

"The simple act of getting an email from the library saying I can pick up my books excites me," writes the author. "I used to think this was a guilty pleasure since most people I hung out with preferred spending their time partying." — Photo credit: Sophie Daly

I find myself at yet another lunchtime discussion, surrounded by friends who are diving into Harry Potter lore. I sit there, nodding along. I couldn’t care less about the origin of Hogwarts yet my heart races as I realize I have nothing to add into the conversation. But instead of admitting I don’t care and know nothing, I smile and...

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First Person: Protecting your mental health sometimes means cutting people off

"One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in adulthood is not everyone wants what’s best for you," writes the author. "It’s easy to have boundaries, but it’s hard to enforce them." — Photo credit: Stephanie Taylor

This school year, I decided I needed to change how I dealt with my anxiety. Anxiety is something I've struggled with since I was 13 and now, at 26, I'm still figuring out how to deal with it in a healthy way. After spending the past year being in a constant state of panic, I started reflecting on my day-to-day...

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First Person: Soccer helps me feel like myself, far from home

Standing on the Algonquin College soccer field in my Ottawa team jersey, taking in the moment. — Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

When I left my hometown in Mexico a year and a half ago for Canada, I knew life would be different. But I didn’t expect how hard it would be to feel connected to who I used to be. I’d moved to Canada to chase big dreams, but as time passed, I felt parts of myself slipping away. Here, I’m...

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First Person: A healthy weight-loss journey skips the shortcuts

"I no longer look for any shortcuts, feel hungry because of dieting and panic about any physical problems that a diet brings to me," writes the author. — Photo credit: Caroline Kirkey

I remember a dark moment five years ago. I had just knocked over a pot of vegetables I was about to cook. The brown glass pot shattered on the floor, scattering boiling water and vegetables across the kitchen—much like my fractured dieter's resolve. Kneeling in the shards of glass and spilled food, I sobbed. My mouth was still numbly chewing...

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First Person: College is for smart people too

The author has more school work in her college program than she'd ever had during her three years at university. "The difference is, this time I have hope," she writes. — Photo credit: Nathalia Lencioni

Sitting in front of my colour-coded semester plan and my scattered notes, I'm trying to plan my course of action through all of my upcoming deadlines. Dates highlighted in red and terrifying to-do lists stare up at me from the pages of my agenda. I don't know how I'll be able to complete all of this. Then, it hits me:...

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First Person: Perfect teeth are nearly impossible, but I don't regret the effort

I still struggle insecurities with smiling on camera, but I learned to accept the things I can't change. — Photo credit: Kaitlyn Lemay

I'd been sitting in the same orthodontist chair for the last six years of my life. But that morning in May, I knew I was going to leave with a new identity. After wearing braces for four years, the experience of running my tongue across my naked teeth without slicing it felt euphoric. That high was short lived. It turns...

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First Person: The medical system dismisses women's concerns and so I fight

"This journey of advocating for my own health might never fully end," writes the author. "Despite the relief of finally being validated, the road ahead still feels unsteady." — Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

I felt like throwing up. Next came crying, relief, anxiety and fear. Sitting in the obstetrician and gynecologist’s examination room at age 17, I could feel my legs shaking. “There seems to be an issue,” said my doctor. Finally, after more than six years I was told that I wasn’t crazy, and I was not imagining things. Growing up as...

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By Claire Donnan (Julie as adviser) + 2 others for Algonquin Journalism - 6 min read

Wolves' basketball-playing siblings hope 'sister telepathy' will support the team

The Hirst sisters (left to right: Leah, Anna, Libby), after a successful practice. One thing they are most looking forward to is hopefully taking Anna to her first provincials. — Photo credit: Claire Donnan

On a Monday evening in the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre, the Algonquin Wolves women’s basketball team are hard at work on the court, training for another year. A player dribbles the ball and tosses it to guard Leah Hirst.“Anna,” she calls as she throws. Leah makes a face and shakes her head as she receives the ball. That’s...

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First Person: Training for a future as a sportscaster

"Being in the broadcast booth feels like home," writes the author. "The hardest dreams always come with some adversity, especially from naysayers." — Photo credit: Paul Osmond

When I'm at home in my basement, sitting on my rocking chair watching a sports game, I love listening to the broadcasters and how they use their voices. Whether it's hockey, football or speed skating I listen deeply to them and jot down notes in my notebook. Every time I watch a game, I learn something from the sportscaster's perspective....

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