The Trail Times is pleased to announce the hiring of reporter Liz Bevan, who will be filling in while senior reporter Valerie Rossi is on maternity leave. Liz provided a little introduction on her journey to the Home of Champions.
Before I get fully immersed in my work with the Trail Times, I feel as though I should introduce myself to the readers and residents of the area.
I am originally from Toronto, a hustling and bustling metropolis where everyone is on the go. I am used to hundreds of thousands of people pushing past each other to get on the subway during rush hour, or a round the block lineup at one of many Starbucks for a morning latte.
I grew up there with my parents and a younger sister and life was never dull. There was always an art show to go to or a bunch of concerts to choose from.
When I made the decision to accept the job and move to Trail, it seemed like the perfect time in my life to pack my boyfriend and my cat into the car and head west.
One question I got from friends and family was, “Why go so far?” My answer? “Why not?” I just did the same thing in a town that doesn’t seem nearly as welcoming and cultured compared to Trail.
I am a journalism school graduate who spent the last year or so living in the wintery north of Alberta honing the skills I learned in school at The Lac La Biche Post and Lac La Biche, let me tell you, is nothing like what I have seen of the Trail area so far. Two traffic lights and a two hour drive to the nearest Tim Horton’s. With a population of only 1,700 in the winter, Lac La Biche showed me a new definition of a small town.
In Toronto, and even in Lac La Biche, nobody knows what or where Trail is. As soon as I mentioned it was just south of Nelson, the crinkled brows of confusion transformed into looks and recognition and encouragement.
It wasn’t until we got to our fifth hotel stop in Lethbridge, Alta., did people smile with understanding.
Andrew, our waiter at a restaurant we stopped at for some dinner, said he was envious of our destination. Apparently he had friends and family who live in the area and was looking to head in the same direction in the near future. He wished us well and I dug into my pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries.
I had been behind the wheel for a total of 48 hours when I pulled into the driveway of my new home in Genelle. The second my feet hit the pavement, I took a deep breath of air and all of my muscles, tense from the drive, relaxed and immediately felt at ease.
If the feeling I got from finally freeing myself from the confines of my SUV is any indication of how the next year is going to go, I am optimistic.
I can’t wait to immerse myself in the community of Trail and the surrounding areas – snapping photos and asking questions.
I am looking forward to getting to know the people who make up such a beautiful part of the country.
I also can’t wait to find out what I can offer the community. I want to find my place in this community.
I can only keep my fingers crossed and do my best.
Liz Bevan can be reached at 250-364-1242 ext: 212, or by email reporter@trailtimes.ca.