Rebecka Calderwood
Education:
Bachelor of Journalism, Toronto Metropolitan University
Semester Abroad (International TV Journalism & Foreign Reporting), Danish School of Media and Journalism
Email Address:
Specialization:
Interactive Storytelling
Biography:
Rebecka has always enjoyed sharing stories and has a deep passion for communicating within communities. She's a 2015 graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s prestigious Bachelor of Journalism program. While studying, she worked as a music reviewer with a couple of Toronto music blogs and as the Arts & Life editor at the journalism school’s publication, “The Ryersonian”. Originally from a small hamlet in southern Manitoba, people’s identity (and an accurate portrayal of such) is important to her. Her curiosity and drive to tell others’ stories has led to her to research with the CBC Manitoba’s investigative team, study broadcast journalism and foreign reporting in Denmark, and produce two short documentaries.
Her experience backpacking in Europe heightened her drive to teach others to understand cross cultures. Her interests in social innovation and front-end web development can be seen through her journalistic work for non-profit Photographers Without Borders and volunteer work with Hot Docs Festival’s virtual reality exhibit DocX, and completion of a digital skills course at Toronto start-up Ladies Learning Code. Rebecka’s communication style is unique. It combines creativity and accuracy. It aims to create an understanding of human experiences across all digital platforms. Rebecka goes by @persbecktives online because she hopes to give her followers new perspectives on the world.
Why Digital Media?
I’ve always been a creative person - jumping at every opportunity to learn something new and innovative no matter the discipline. My interest in storytelling and love for exploring digital trends led me to this program. It’s the reason why an entrepreneurship elective in my final year of my degree inspired me to create anything I wanted. I feel the need to share my ideas for social innovation and documentary storytelling with people who are inspired by the world and how we are all connected.
The nature of digital media doesn’t limit my ability to create or experiment in a world where people are constantly sharing stories and technology is constantly evolving. Instead, digital media allows me to combine my many interests into one narrative. It grants me the resources to create an understanding of complex ideas. It grants freedom across many disciplines.
Publications:
Photographers Without Borders Magazine (external link, opens in new window) , Issues 5-7