Hello, readers! My name is Marco Palomino, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as one of the new summer reporters for the Airdrie City View and Rocky View Weekly.
While I was born in Montreal, I spent my entire childhood in Lima, Peru, where my family is from. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing diverse perspectives.
I moved to Calgary in 2011. What was originally supposed to be a short-term stay ended up becoming the place I still call home today.
My journey into journalism started a few years ago, when I was working as a legal assistant. While the job was fulfilling, I knew deep down that I wanted to do more for the community. I felt drawn to the idea of using my research and writing skills to create a positive impact, so I started exploring different career paths.
That’s when I discovered the journalism program at Mount Royal University, and it was a life-changing moment. As a mature student and father of a little girl, returning to school felt daunting at first. But I knew in my heart it was the right decision for me, so I took the leap of faith.
And let me tell you, it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I started school at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant my first year of studies was conducted entirely online. It wasn’t easy, but I persevered, and the experience taught me a lot about resilience, adaptability, and the power of human connection. Even in a virtual environment, I felt supported by my peers and professors, and I was able to create meaningful connections that have lasted to this day.
One of the most significant benefits of attending Mount Royal University was the many opportunities it opened up for me. Not only did I gain valuable skills and knowledge, but I also had the chance to network with professionals in the industry and explore different career paths pertaining to media, journalism, and communications. Now, I am thrilled to put my skills to use as a summer reporter here, working alongside experienced journalists in my first-ever newsroom experience.
As I embark on this exciting new journey, I am eager to learn more about Airdrie, Rocky View County, and the other communities we cover. I believe every community has a unique story to tell, and I am honoured to be able to help share those stories. I am passionate about covering topics that matter to you, from local events and political issues to human interest stories that showcase the amazing people who call this community home.
To conclude, I want to express my gratitude to the community for giving me this opportunity. I promise to work hard, listen with an open heart, and do my best to make a positive impact through my writing. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
