Have you ever wondered about the Camosun students writing the articles you read in Nexus? Know Your Writers will help you dive into the minds of the writers behind the stories.This issue, we talked to columnist Sean Annable about what the public expects of journalists, how his column makes him push himself, and why he moved from hospitality.
What drew you to journalism?
I’ve always admired journalists. They go out there, dig up the facts, and inform the public. It’s not easy, and they have to get it right. My sister is a seasoned journalist and has worked for big papers in Toronto and Winnipeg and is now an associate producer for CBC Manitoba, so that definitely has given me an appreciation for the hard work that journalists do. With recent sentiments about fake news, I think it’s important to remember how important it is to have an industry whose sole purpose is to find and report facts. Sure, there can be bias, and the sheer mass of information thrown at us every day can be overwhelming, so it’s everyone’s responsibility to be skeptical but logical when deciding for themselves what sources can be trusted. My only real experience is my column here at Nexus, so there is opinion involved, but I do my best to thoroughly research anything I am reporting as fact. I’m honoured to be considered a part of that process, and I think that the journalists out there doing good work should be held in a regard as high as the standards we expect from them.
What is the most awkward moment you have had in an interview?
Since I don’t do interviews for Nexus, I’d say the most awkward moment is this, right now. Not having an answer. Awkward.
What would you say are the worst and best parts of your job at the paper?
It’s a pretty painless process; the management is great, and they are understanding of the demands of students who work and volunteer. The worst part for me is knowing I have a deadline coming up and not knowing what to write about. I always want my column to be relevant and interesting, and it’s not always easy to get the words on the page, so that’s stressful. The best part is having a space to tell a story. There are changes happening in the financial world all the time that affect students, and having the opportunity to share my thoughts on them is therapeutic in a way. I’m not an outspoken person, and I’m not very active online, so I like being able to share things outside of my personal circle through my column. It makes me carefully consider the topic and forces more diligent research that otherwise I might not push myself to do.
Why did you come to Camosun?
After starting a career in hospitality, I wanted to make a change. I’ve always been interested in business and financial markets and am a bit of a datahead so accounting was just the right move for me. Camosun has a great accounting program, especially for those wanting to become chartered professional accountants. As a mature student, I appreciate the focused learning environment.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love food, so I do a lot of cooking. I dabble in gardening, so this summer you’ll find me between the garden and the barbecue. Travelling, hiking, and eating with my partner are all I would do if I could.