Gavyn Helmy – Pharmacare Writer
Gavyn Helmy is an American-born Canadian living in Victoria, BC. He is majoring in Chemistry for the Medical Sciences, with a minor in English. He has worked in chemistry labs, and is part of the anatomy lab assistant team at the University of Victoria. He uses his background in science to look for data-driven solutions to complex issues. Since 2016, he has kept a close eye on global politics, drawing inspiration from figures like Bernie Sanders and Jon Stewart. Federal healthcare has been of interest to him since he moved to Canada. Ever fond of puzzles, he spends much of time rock climbing and pursuing creative writing projects. He also enjoys cooking and occasionally plays his guitar at community events.
Ricardo Lopez – Professional Admissions Writer
Ricardo Lopez is a 1st-year university student born in Mexico that now resides in Vancouver Island. He is particularly interested in the social aspect and roots of current day problems, this interest has led him to pursue a major in Psychology. His passion for writing began to develop in 11th grade and continued as he grew, resulting in his interest in completing a minor in English. However, Ricardo’s main mission with his education is to eventually work as a therapist or counselor for people suffering from addictions and the harsh consequences of withdrawal. He is also a Lego enthusiast, but his current collection is as limited as his budget.
Haylie Faber – Hallway Healthcare Writer
Haylie Faber is a 3rd-year university student working towards a Sociology degree with a minor in Journalism at the University of Victoria. Haylie remembers discovering her passion for social change during the societal upheaval of COVID-19. While growing up in Nanaimo, BC, she always gravitated towards reading and writing, relishing in escaping reality into a world of fantasy. In her 12th grade AP English literature class she discovered the analytical process of connecting pieces of fiction to the social reality of the time in which it was written. Rather than pursuing the traditional sociology route of academia, Haylie wishes to use her knowledge to translate socio-historical issues for the general public through journalistic practice. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog or relaxing with a cup of tea and a book in hand.
Anna Brinham – Family Care Writer
Anna Brinham grew up in White Rock but has been living in Victoria for so long she calls the city home. Anna is in the third year of her English Studies degree with a Professional Communications minor. At the end of her first year, Anna received the Valerie Khuene University Research Award (VKURA) from the University of Victoria. She concentrated her research on artificial feeding practices among infants for her professor’s Victorian Pregnancy Project website. Anna aspires to write professionally for the private or public sector and balances this with creative writing in her free time. She gravitates toward poetry and short prose and loves the lyricism of language.
Anna Johnston – Burnout Writer
Anna Johnston is a first-year university student from Edmonton, Alberta. After years of not knowing what her true passion was, her love for writing was solidified in her 11th grade IB English class. To harness this passion, she is currently working towards completing an English major with a minor in Professional Communications at the University of Victoria. She is finding her niche in the world of English through professional writing and literary criticism. Anna is hoping to later specialize in fashion writing, though she is currently exploring a wide range of topics. In her spare time, she enjoys working with children – particularly tutoring, babysitting, or teaching swimming lessons – and reading all kinds of books.
