- by Abbey Blokland

Throughout a couple of months, I got the chance to co-op for the Owen Sound Hub. I am very thankful for this opportunity as it gave me the chance to improve my writing while getting to understand what a journalist does in a day.

I have written 14 articles in 8 weeks (about 2 months).

I was able to try a variety of subject matter ranging from giving my opinion on the location of a park in the area and writing a three-story series on women in business during the pandemic.

During this time, I have expanded my knowledge while researching for articles. I have learnt more about the history on Ontario’s great lakes when writing about the shipwreck of the S.S. Asia, I have also stayed up to date with city events that have changed during the pandemic like the Santa Claus parade and the Remembrance Day ceremony.

I attended a few events like a flag raising and a book release launch in September. The book release launch was outside near a labyrinth garden and a community garden that I have never noticed before in Owen Sound.

I also got to meet most of the staff at the Owen Sound Hub, they got me talking about what I wanted to come out of this experience, and I knew for sure I wanted to know what a workday looks like for a journalist.

Now, as I reflect back on my time at the Owen Sound Hub, I met some amazing people, built and discovered useful skills for the future, and learnt more about this community.