Hello Carlyle, my name is Jessica R. Ryan. I am a Métis woman and a freelance journalist who has recently started writing articles for the Carlyle Observer.
I’m from Fort McMurray, Alta., originally, but my ties to the area have been strong, even before I moved here. My mother was born and raised in Estevan; most of her family lives there. We spent the summers down in Estevan at my grandparents’ farm. My grandpa, like me, was a big animal lover. They had horses, dogs, cats and even cattle at one time. My love for animals is simply in my DNA it seems.
I’ve always been a storyteller. In elementary school I loved to write stories, fairy tales about creatures and beasts that only exist in the depths of my mind. I’d tried to start writing books when I was 13 but my skill wasn’t quite where it needed to be, neither was my dedication it seems, as I never completed any of my books.
I’ve grown since then, in terms of maturity and skill, and now I’m finally getting to put my talent to work by writing as a journalist.
I had once dreamt of going to school, Yale if we’re being specific, to study journalism but here I am. I didn’t need the fancy degree from the Ivy League school after all.
I got my start in photography when I was about 15. Photography was always something I had been interested in and had wanted to get involved in. My dreams had finally come to fruition when I enrolled in the “Photography 10” class that was offered at the Estevan Comprehensive School. Like writing, photography came to me quickly and easily.
I have always been fond of Carlyle and how lively it seems to be whenever I am in the area. There are always so many pedestrians on Main Street, the town just seems to flourish. I love Main Street not only for its activity but for the businesses it offers. King’s Department Store is a novelty even in Estevan and I’d always heard it boasted about by so many people. When I finally visited the store I got to see for myself just how well stocked and just all around amazing the store is.
The geography around Carlyle is so beautiful and I just love going up by Kenosee; it reminds me of my home back up in northern Alberta. I love how it isn’t a far drive from Carlyle or the Prairies, I get to have the best of both worlds. I hope to move to Carlyle sometime this summer.
In regards to my skills in writing and photography, they are the best they ever have been but they certainly haven’t peaked yet. I hope this experience writing as a journalist will diversify my skills and help me grow as a writer and photographer. I also hope that this experience helps me connect with the members of the community and get to learn their stories and what they value.
Carlyle, I hope we get to form a wonderful friendship. I can’t wait to grow with you.
