The journos behind YOW! are master of journalism students at Carleton University. From left to right: (top) Warren Reid, Raylene Lung, Kate Schellenberg, Mary Carswell-Gates, Kevin O’Rourke-McColl, (middle) Kayla Holmes, Sam Campling, Emilie Warren, Erika Ibrahim, (bottom) Emma McPhee, Sharanya Tharmarajan, Eden Suh, Hannah Rivkin. Photo: Courtney de Winter.

Meet the team

Bio: Sam Campling grew up in the northern town of La Ronge, Sask. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2019 with a degree in English, then drove 34 hours to start her new adventure in journalism in the capital city. She enjoys writing on social issues and learning new perspectives of the world.

Ottawa woe work-around: When the busyness of city life gets to be too much, Sam ventures to Gatineau Park to take in the beauty of nature, the fresh air and the feeling of ‘home’.

 @SamCampling1 |  samantha.campling@carleton.ca

Bio: Born in Peterborough, Ont., but raised with her nose in a book, Mary is a tried and true word nerd. After graduating from Trent University with an honours degree in English literature, she moved to Ottawa to continue her studies in journalism. When not in class, Mary can be found following Canadian politics in a fashion akin to an NHL fan’s devotion, or in a poorly composed tree pose.

Ottawa woe work-around: As an inhabitant of the downtown, when the woes get tough she grabs a tea, walks to parliament and calls her mom.

 @mcarswellgates |  mary.carswellgates@carleton.ca

Bio: Kayla Holmes has spent much of her life travelling around the world. Her curiosity about other cultures and people led her to pursue her master of journalism, with which she hopes to continue working around the globe.

Ottawa woe work-around: Kayla soothes her woes with a cozy sweater, a dose of Netflix and too many cups of coffee in the morning.

 @kaylabholmes |  kayla.holmes@carleton.ca

Bio: While completing an MA in gender studies at Queen’s University, Erika worked with the campus community radio station, CFRC, both as a volunteer news reporter for Alternative Frequency and through developing her own programming as a show runner. Her passion for writing on social justice emerged from her advocacy work related to racial justice and sexual health.

Ottawa woe work-around: She soothes her Ottawa woes by stepping on the mat for her at-home yoga practice.

 @ErikaRIbrahim |  erika.ibrahim@carleton.ca

Bio: Raylene is a prairie girl who grew up in Edmonton, Alta. but fled to Ottawa to pursue her dream of a master’s in journalism. She has her bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in sociology from the University of Alberta. When she isn’t critiquing fashion shows or watching her favourite hockey team disappoint her, she finds herself missing the mountains. She also wears too many rings.

Ottawa woe work-around: When the woes of ordinary life become overwhelming, she rides her horse as the ultimate de-stressor.

 @LungRaylene |  raylene.lung@carleton.ca

Bio: Emma McPhee completed both her bachelor’s degree in archaeology and classics as well as her master’s in classics while moonlighting as a journalist on the side. Now she’s come to Carleton from New Brunswick to try out doing journalism as her main gig.

Ottawa woe work-around: When the Ottawa woes get to be a bit too much to handle, Emma takes a break to play with her cat and best pal, Finnegan.

 @emmaesquared |  emma.mcphee@carleton.ca

Bio: Kevin is a master of journalism student at Carleton University. Originally from Toronto, Ont., he is excited to be collaborating with his classmates on YOW! Before coming to Carleton, he completed an MA at Queen’s and a BA in religious studies at the University of Toronto. He enjoys reading, watching sports and cooking.

Ottawa woe work-around: He soothes his Ottawa woes by watching his favourite TV show, Broad City.

 @korourkemccoll |  kevin.orourkemccoll@carleton.ca

Bio: Originally from Calgary, Alta, Warren moved to the nation’s capital to study English and history at the University of Ottawa. His love of storytelling then led him to the master of journalism program at Carleton University, but don’t get the wrong idea … Warren is a Gee-Gee for life!

Ottawa woe work-around: Warren has little patience for slow walkers in the ByWard Market. Luckily, he has developed the necessary agility to weave through the meandering masses.

 @warren_t_reid |  warren.reid@carleton.ca

Bio: Hannah Rivkin was born and raised in St. John’s, N.L., graduating in 2017 with a degree in biochemistry-nutrition from Memorial University of Newfoundland. As a former varsity athlete, current rock climber and people lover, Hannah enjoys writing about adventure, health and science.

Ottawa woe work-around: Sometimes she chooses to walk through the farm to get to school instead of submitting herself to the whim of a public transit commute. Nothing like a thick pair of wool socks, a cozy hat and a scarf, and a good podcast to get a girl through her 45 minute frigid walk.

 @hannahrivykins |  hannah.rivkin@carleton.ca

Bio: Kate Schellenberg recently moved from Winnipeg to Ottawa to cross off #52 on her bucket list: “never live in a place with normal winters.” While waiting for the sub-zero temperatures to hit, Kate has been pursuing her master of journalism at Carleton University. Kate enjoys biking when it is warm, watering her plants and eating dim sum.

Ottawa woe work-around: When she is tired because construction on Bronson Avenue. woke her up at 7 a.m., she heads to the OC Transpo Twitter page and realizes her life isn’t that bad.

 @KateSchelly |  kate.schellenberg@carleton.ca

Bio: Eden Suh was born in Arizona, U.S. but was raised in Canada and feels Canadian by heart. She completed her BA in human rights and social justice at Carleton University and now continues her academic trek at Carleton with a master’s in journalism. She enjoys observing society and writing about the complex experiences that surround each individual. Her hobbies include photography and she often takes photos to update her friends’ dating profiles.

Ottawa woe work-around: She deals with her Ottawa woes by pumping iron at the gym and listening to music that ranges from EDM to Kanye.

 @EdenSuh5 |  eden.suh@carleton.ca

Bio: Sharanya Tharmarajan completed her undergraduate degree in commerce with a specialization in accounting. She is now pursuing her master’s in journalism. She enjoys video editing in her spare time and is a lifelong Harry Potter fan. Sharanya grew up in Ottawa and is very familiar with both the woes and wonders the city brings.

Ottawa woe work-around: In times of need she goes to Parliament which she oddly finds great comfort in seeing. It reminds her of the beauty of Ottawa and the greatness of Canada.

 @SharanyaTharma1 |  sharanya.tharmarajan@carleton.ca

Bio: Emilie Warren enjoys writing about foreign affairs, politics and social issues. She graduated in international relations from the University of British Columbia in 2017 and subsequently worked at Global Affairs Canada for two years. She hopes to specialize in global journalism. In her free time, Emilie can be found visiting her family in B.C. and Quebec, going for hikes in nature, swimming or taking naps.

Ottawa woe work-around: Whenever it’s -30 outside and the sidewalks are full of snow, Emilie cheers herself up with a brownie and a cup of hot chocolate.

 @warren_emilie |  emilie.warren@carleton.ca