We have another new face at Zeitspace, but this time, things are a little different. Kelly Pedro has joined us as a journalist! Why did we hire a journalist? That's a question for another day. In the meantime, enjoy Kelly’s answers to the questions that we typically put to a new team member.
Why journalism?
I have never imagined myself doing anything else. I’ve always loved writing. Being able to write every day is this need that I have and just can’t shake. When I was in high school I went on a humanitarian trip to Nicaragua and knew I wanted to tell other people’s stories and journalism was a great combination between my need to write and my desire to tell other people’s stories.
What kind of writing do you like to do?
I love feature writing because that style of writing gives me the time and space to tell a story from many angles. But I also love the adrenaline rush that comes with writing on deadline!
Recommend one thing (maybe a book, movie, album, TV show, physical experience…) Why?
I’m a huge fan of Canadian fiction. There are so many great Canadian authors producing incredible work that speaks to the human experience. My top books by Canadian authors are: Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese; Washington Black by Esi Edugyan; Where the Air is Sweet by Tasneem Jamal; Sylvanus Now by Donna Morrissey; Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden; The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline; Fall on Your Knees, by Ann-Marie MacDonald; The Wonder by Emma Donoghue; Galore by Michael Crummey; and The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton.
What’s your favourite new (or old) discovery in Waterloo Region?
The Kitchener Public Library (KPL). The Central branch in downtown Kitchener is a beautiful space but I also love my local branch (Grand River). I love how KPL has evolved by offering museum passes, musical instruments, and access to 3D printers (among other things) while still keeping its core mandate of sharing and building literacy in our community by providing people with free access to books.
Share a cool thing that folks might like to know about you?
I’ve been hang gliding in Brazil.
