Julie McCann's Camayak portfolio

First Person: Confronting my bully has put me on a path to healing

I may always carry the scars of my past, but I embrace them. They are a testament to my strength. Fear will no longer hold me back. — Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

My eyes fixate on the 10 digital numbers flashing on the WhatsApp chat. They’re just numbers, but my hands tremble. My index finger hovers over the call option, a battle of wills raging within me. A deep breath steadies my resolve and before I know it, I’m dialing the number I’ve pondered using for years. “Hello! ... Hello!” The familiar...

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First Person: Conquering loneliness with a feline friend

Three years later, the author, Isabella Disley found her independence thanks to her feline friend, Smokey. — Photo credit: Isabella Disley

Being an only child is a great perk. I never had to argue over who had to do the chores or had to share a bedroom. I became hyper-independent and felt better doing everything on my own. However, I would feel lonely and disconnected from everyone around me. Then, my family and I adopted a kitten on Nov. 6, 2021...

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Vet tech students raise money for Canadian Guide Dogs

Some dogs came to the nail trimming table on Mill Street on Oct. 27 to donate to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. — Photo credit: supplied

Sarah Deliduman wandered around Bruce Pit Dog Park with her dog Archie on Oct. 27 searching for Algonquin College’s vet tech students. The students were supposed to be hosting a fundraiser where dog owners can donate money to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, and in return the vet tech students would trim their dog’s nails. Unfortunately, the vet...

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By Agrani Tiwari (Julie as adviser) + 2 others for Algonquin Journalism - 4 min read

Group for local and international students seeks to bridge cultural gaps

Jing An-Chen, a level-3 interactive media design student, leads the Youth Connection Dialogue in Ottawa. "I want to create a space where we can share skills, experiences and support each other’s growth," he says. — Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

Jing An-Chen, a level-3 interactive media design student, founded Youth Connection Dialogue this past August to bridge gaps between local and international students. Through monthly events, his hope is to foster cultural exchanges, career discussions and stronger community ties. Through the group, students engage in meaningful conversations, networking and sharing ideas, rather than simply receiving information. Events are held in...

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First Person: Don't let work steal life's little pleasures from you

The key to surviving a tough experience? "Surround yourself with love." While the author couldn't control the world around her, she could surround herself with supportive humans. — Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

It's Sept. 4 and my partner and I are outside sipping from Halloween-themed mugs. As we sit in the sun in camping chairs around our backyard firepit enjoying the peace and quiet, relief washes over me. School starts soon. The nightmare is over. The nightmare of working two jobs. In June, just three months before, my hands shook as I...

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First Person: My journey to writing a children’s book

"I never imagined that enrolling in Algonquin College’s journalism program would lead me to begin to write a children’s book," writes the author.

“No, Auntie! Don’t go!” Kavaiah’s sweet voice stops me just as I’m about to step out the door. She tugs at my hand, holding tight to a new book I bought her, I Am Born to Be Awesome by Mechal Renee Roe. “Just read the book one more time, Auntie, PLEASE!” she begs, her eyes wide. How can I not...

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Anxious about crime in Ottawa? Here are 5 tips to help you cope

“Connecting with neighbours and creating an engaged community is an approach available no matter who you are or where you live in the city,” said Tanya Hein, the director of community engagement for Ottawa Neighbourhood Watch in an email. Here, a police car patrolled the streets near the ByWard Market ... — Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

As you listen to the radio or receive notifications on your phone, do you get the sense that there's been an increase in crime in the Ottawa region? If so, then you are right. According to Criminal Offences Open Data released by the Ottawa Police Service, updated to March 13, criminal offences in the first three months of this year...

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First Person: My discovery of the year? I really enjoy exercise

"Everyone at the gym keeps to themselves and doesn’t judge you," writes the author. "After all, everyone is going through their own personal journey."

My heart pounded against my chest as I trudged along in my running shoes. My legs felt like they could give out at the slightest breeze. My face was coated in sweat and my breath laboured like a puppy who'd run too fast. My knees were weak as I fell onto the floor. Staring at the ceiling, I thought this...

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First Person: My grade-school plan to climb the social ladder through hall passes

The author once attempted to be a hall-pass kingpin. Today, the message he shares: holding onto your morals is more important than popularity. — Photo credit: Steven Dalloo

The movie American Gangster, starring Denzel Washington, is an all-time favourite for me. And at the age of nine, the movie was also a source of inspiration for my would-be hall-pass selling empire. The ability to roam the halls freely is alluring to elementary school kids. My plan was simple. The office at Hilson Avenue Public School in Ottawa was...

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First Person: It’s okay to pursue beauty, but don't lose yourself in the process

Three years ago, the author felt hesitant and fearful of facing the camera. Now, she stands tall and calm when facing others' lenses.

I remember sitting in a café on the University of Ottawa campus at the first day of my sophomore year, watching the people coming and going outside. A variety of individuals passed by: some tall and slender, some short and round, some with freckles, and others with fresh acne on their faces. Yet, they all walked with confidence, showing no...

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