It’s not so much about what I bring to Edmonton, but what Edmonton brings to me,” says Carolyn Jarvis, Global weekend news anchor, reporter and producer.

She grew up in Richmond, BC, and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. Then it was off to Toronto to seek fame in musical theatre. Instead, Carolyn joined the Weather Network and received Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society certification as a forecaster. She enrolled in journalism night courses at Ryerson where her passion for storytelling came to light.

When Carolyn was the CHCA weather gal in Red Deer, she spent off-hours reading textbooks and following her co-workers around on weekends to learn more about the news profession.

Fast forward to Global Edmonton: News anchor Lynda Steele describes Carolyn as “a passionate, ethical and dynamic young journalist, in 24/7 pursuit of a great story… who has demonstrated an impressive talent for reporting, anchoring and producing.” These qualities are exemplified by her recent trip to South Africa where she has family—not so much a vacation as a self-imposed assignment. Carolyn researched and wrote a five part series for Global National and Global Edmonton on the plight of the nation with the highest percentage of people infected with HIV, and on the exodus of doctors to Canada. The 29-year old reflects: “There are so many microscopic stories that I was very fortunate, I believe, to be able to bring back to Canada… the more information we can bring to our country, the more we can broaden our horizon of knowledge.”

This community mindset extends beyond the news realm. Carolyn can be counted on to do
her part for charity—whether it’s getting involved with Youth Emergency Shelter or firefighters’ fundraisers… being a celebrity singer with Pro Coro or volunteering with Edzimkulu, a local group that helps South African children with AIDS.

Carolyn has a voracious appetite for learning: “On any given day, I have two papers delivered… one weekly magazine. I listen to two radio broadcasts every morning. I always watch [three national newscasts] Peter and Lloyd at night, and Kevin in the afternoon… I probably polish off a couple books a month, usually non fiction.” She is taking classes to maintain her fluency in French, and speaks basic German and Spanish.

“Learning has to be a constant process, and I don’t think it can be viewed as a challenge somuch as a satisfying journey.”