Hello, my name is Cali Nessman. I am a student, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. I have lived in Kamloops British Columbia for most of my life resulting in climatization to hot summers and proficiency in winter driving.
I am attending Thompson Rivers University to achieve a Bachelor of Communication and Digital Journalism with a major in Media Studies. I started my university journey in general Arts not really sure where I would land. I took classes in psychology, creative writing, biology, and tourism trying to find my passion. After a couple classes with Colleen Foucault and Peter Zakrzewski, I discovered I enjoyed working on web design, navigating the endless tools of Adobe Illustrator, and analyzing design principles. I had the opportunity to build magazines, creative graphics, and even a novel to print product. I spent hours and hours sitting in the Communication Design Lab trying to make my projects something I could be proud of. In addition to these creative classes, I gained a passion for writing and journalistic practices. Jennifer Chrumka and Richard Amante brought experience and knowledge that caught my attention. I was able to write stories that broadened my understanding of social elements.
I chose four projects that I believe effectively highlight my skills and abilities that I have improved upon through my TRU journey. My choices consist of a brand development board, a design of a children’s fantasy novel, an article to be published in The Wren, and a self-directed research into Midjourney Indigenous representation. These pieces effectively demonstrate the TRU Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO) in multiple categories.
My creative research of Midjourney AI’s representation of Indigenous people in Canada is relevant to the ILO Local to Global. I examined how the text to image generator, Midjourney depicts and represents Indigenous populations in North America. From simple prompts I was able to learn how Midjourney inaccurately represents Indigenous people by added regalia and stereotypical elements without direction. I demonstrated intercultural awareness specifically looking at Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. This project enforced an increased awareness of AI’s limitations and failures to present cultures accurately and respectfully. The course CMNS 2150 Collective and Connective Indigenous Voices, brought into the spotlight the many ways that Indigenous peoples are underrepresented and misrepresented. I demonstrated understanding of Indigenous ways and knowledge as well as applying critical thinking and exploration to modern technology.
From my learned skills in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, I was able to create a typographic poster which started as a simple line art drawing after Grommit, our family dog passed. This was a project I started for my family to make prints to remember Grom. My experience working in Illustrator have allowed me to further my practice to create pieces that mean something to others.
The technical skills allowed me to create a remembrance poster for my family who lost our dog. My classes have brought skills for life-long learning.
Since 2024, I have spent my summer months working in a seasonal position for the BC Wildfire Service as a Communications Assistant and rostered as an Information Officer. I have learned so much about crisis communication and working in high intensity environments. Through this job, I coordinate with media outlets for interviews, communicate with public for fire updates and other concerns, and assist in collaboration with local government and partners.
With my education and experience, I am able to have a better understanding of my future career goals but the specifics remain unknown. I have one more semester to complete my degree so the end is nearing. From where I started in 2022, I have been able to narrow my ambitions from general arts to digital media and journalism. At this point, my career goals are more aligned with personal growth and success opposed to a specific title. My career goal is to enjoy going to work every day. My career goal is to feel like I am making a difference in someone’s life. My career goal is to balance passion with stability. I cannot sit here and write that I am not worried about the uncertainty of job security, finances, and future life changes.
I would love to work in graphic design making logos, package design, and digital communication. I would love to work in book or magazine publishing formatting books, working with designers, and contributing to the literary culture. I would also love to work in crisis and corporate communication with the BC Wildfire Service helping public and communities in wildfire situations.
I believe I am a creative, hardworking, and empathetic individual who will excel in her future career. TRU has provided me opportunities to build upon and refine skills to make me a viable candidate for future positions in the communication field. I look forward to the next steps of my life and am excited to see where I end up.