Dear Mom and Dad, I Want to Be a Writer
At four years old, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was in kindergarten—barely able to leave my mom’s side for five minutes without crying. But somehow, they wanted me to choose what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? I dressed up as a cop … Continued
Erin Perkins
The start of the 2022 school year has me thinking of beginnings but also traditions. I’m the brand-new Arts Editor for The Navigator. How will I differ from all the past writers who made The Nav what it is today? To answer this question, I needed to speak to a Navigator alum. I met Erin … Continued
Reporting and Reconciliation
Connie Walker is the speaker for VIU’s seventh annual Indigenous Speakers Series, in partnership with CBC Radio. She will present her talk “Exposing the Truth: Journalism’s Role in Reconciliation” on Monday, November 22 at 6:30 pm in Malaspina Theatre on VIU’s Nanaimo campus. Over the past decade, Walker’s work has focused on Indigenous voices and … Continued
Violence against journalists should worry you
2018 was one of the worst years for violence against journalists in recent memory. According to a report by Reporters Without Borders, at least 63 journalists were killed for their work. Journalists faced personal threats, as well as death threats to their families. CNN faced a bomb threat late in the year. Washington Post columnist … Continued
The future of journalism
By contributor Kelly Whiteside When I chose to attend university for Creative Writing, my mom warned me I wouldn’t be able to find a well-paying job in my field. Two years into my degree, I decided to focus more on journalism in hopes of finding work easier afterwards. I assured my mom that the work … Continued
If it bleeds, it leads
By Managing Editor Molly Barrieau Gruesome, I know. That phrase has been repeated to me a few times throughout my university degree, and it always grosses me out. The idea was—when journalism was still a profitable job—if there was a shooting, murder, or fire, it likely made the front page or, in our case, page … Continued
News in a nutshell
By News Editor Aislinn Cottell What On December 1, Nanaimo is hosting a free Education and Career Fair. Where Vancouver Island Conference Centre 9 am – 3 pm RSVP for free tickets at educationcareerfairs.com. Why you should care The Fair is an opportunity to explore the future with post-secondary schools, employers, and associations from across … Continued
Love/Hate
By Associate Editor Natalie Gates Corrupt. Biased. Annoying. Pointless. Liars. Dying out. Taking over. Creative. Storytellers. Hard workers. Truth seekers. Essential to the business and political worlds. Essential to society. Me. What comes to mind when you think about public relations (PR) people or journalists? I spent my summer (and still am) working for a … Continued
To err: an apology to the Western Toad
I used to have this rectangular, six-inch long pencil eraser with the words, “To Err Is Human,” printed on the top. It was a birthday present when I was a young girl. Since then, in my career as a writer, it would have come in handy more than a few times. Writers write. When we … Continued
We are the future
Over my university career and two years working at The Navigator, I’ve had the pleasure to study, collaborate, and work not only with the diverse community in the Creative Writing department (poets, fictionists, playwrights, journalists), but I’ve also had the chance to work with people in different departments, including Graphic Design and Media Studies. Working … Continued