New reporter immersing herself in Highlands culture

By Vanessa Balintec

After a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Brampton (longer than it
should have been – I made a few mistakes along the way), my mom, grandma
and I all piled out of our cars. The scenery filled with trees and
lakes was a comfort during the ride, but once my grandma rushed to the
washroom and my mom started unpacking my luggage, it finally sunk in
that the trees and the lakes would be my new regular view.

“Are you sure you’re ready to be alone?” my mom asked, sitting on my
new single bed. Coming from a big family filled with screaming kids and
cousins, she thought I’d be wanting to come back home the minute she
left.

“Of course I am.”

My name is Vanessa Balintec, and after this summer, I’ll be entering
my third year of journalism at Ryerson University. I love everything
involving literature and journalism, and if you ever catch me outside,
it’ll be when I’m trying out a new exercise or going for a hike. And
even though I’m looking forward to my own space, I actually will miss
home (that’s for you, Mom and Dad). 

Working for the Haliburton Echo and Minden Times is a perfect
opportunity for me to explore my passion for travelling and meeting new
people. All my life I’ve lived in big cities close to Toronto,
surrounded by loud cars and tall buildings. If I got lucky, sometimes
I’d be able to look up into the sky and pick out a few stars through the
light pollution and clouds. This summer, I’m looking forward to
becoming a member of this community, making a big breakthrough in my
career, and finally being able to spot more stars.

I’m excited to immerse myself in the community, grow as a writer, and
bring new stories and ideas to the Echo and Minden Times. I’m truly
grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait for what this summer has
in store. 

If you’re sitting on a great story idea or just looking for a new
friend, feel free to shoot me an email at vanessa@haliburtonpress.com.