WHO I AM & WHO I WANT TO BE
My name is Anna Montaner and I’m currently in my last year of the Bachelor of Communications and Digital Journalism with a major in Digital Journalism at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC.
I was born in a small town near Barcelona, Spain, but from a very young age I have lived in various countries including the US and Mexico, experiencing different cultures and languages first hand. This has made my love for travel and culture grow, staying hand in hand with my interests in journalism.
I aspire to be a journalist with a distinct focus on arts and culture along with sports. I want to travel and become a storyteller who not only reports but also celebrates the different narratives that can be found anywhere in the world.
Something that has united my family throughout the years is soccer. One of my first memories is my father and brother taking me to my first Barça football game and falling in love with the sport. I played football for 12 years, winning and losing with a group of people who became my family. I was able to experience how sports can connect people and create a sense of belonging.
After seeing the impact the Women’s World Cup 2023 had on young girls and how the world has begun looking at female athletes, my interest in reporting on women’s sports grew. Committed to showcasing the powers, resilience, and narratives of female athletes, my goal is to amplify their voices and contribute to a more equitable sports media landscape, while diminishing gender biases in sports journalism.
EDUCATION & ILO
Throughout my four years at university I’ve taken courses that have developed skills such as interviewing, writing, connecting with audiences and discovering my own voice. The courses that have challenged me to develop as a journalist have been Freelance Journalism, Feature Writing, and Introduction to Interviewing.
I had the opportunity to become a Staff Writer for The Omega Student Magazine at TRU during my first year, and have continued my journey as a writer ever since. This hands-on experience has sharpened my research and interviewing skills, essential for accurate and compelling storytelling. Additionally, my role demands adaptability to multimedia platforms, so I can ensure my work comes across through various mediums.
Beyond writing proficiency, my time as a staff writer has created a sense of responsibility when it comes to sharing the stories that are happening at Thompson Rivers University for all students and faculty to know. The magazine has also given me skills that have allowed me to thrive in a fast-paced environment, where I’ve needed to adapt to sudden changes, like getting in contact with sources, to continue writing a story. The courses and magazine have amplified my skills to apply them into achieving a successful career in this field.
This portfolio has four pieces that I believe demonstrate the Institutional learning outcomes reflected within the BCDJ program. The movie review published on The Omega Magazine showcases Exploration through the analysis of media and critical Knowledge of film techniques.
The Legend Paper focused on Sri Lankan folklore is focused on Local-to-Global by applying the principles and best practices of intercultural communication through interviews and research.
The feature article on the Women’s Soccer League: Project 8, has Engagements in research and core principles of Journalism by following the ethical and professional standards of Canadian Press style.
Finally, the food photography gallery demonstrates Connection by creating a set of 12 photos that communicates through design and layout, that also incorporates original work while meeting academic standards.