Why I’m back in Claresholm (and who I am)

My name is Terril Orsten, and if you don’t remember me at all, you’ll either recognize my last name as the same as one of the first grade teachers at West Meadow, or a former RCMP officer in town. This isn’t mere coincidence, those are my parents. If that doesn’t jog your memory at all, you’ll have about a month and a half to become accustomed to my name as I intern here at the paper.
When I left Claresholm to pursue a degree in Broadcast Media Studies at Mount Royal University I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with that degree. I knew I was opinionated, that I could talk someone’s ear off if it was a topic I was remotely knowledgeable in, and that I wanted to get better at public speaking. That led me to sports commentary, where I learned through meeting others that were also interested in commentating that they were even better at talking people’s ears off than I was.
Writing in any form, whether that be for TV, film or print was intriguing. The writers’ strike that took place as I was considering it, along with quick advancement and adoption of AI made me question whether that would be a viable path for me.
On-location audio for film became my next target, but the significant upfront cost alongside needing to know people to get work, needing work to know people, and needing experience to know people, made that difficult as well.
I love keeping up with politics, especially internationally, but have been making a deliberate effort to be more mindful of things happening locally as well. I’ve always had an interest in film and working on set. That is where my eyes are set now. If all goes according to plan, you’ll maybe see my name in the credits of a movie or TV show produced somewhere in southern Alberta. It’ll be far enough down that anyone watching in a theatre will have left long before it shows up. Keep your eyes peeled.
I came back to Claresholm in an effort to get some more experience within the field I’m hoping to start my career in. Unfortunately for me, media production of all kinds is mostly about who you know. Calgary has a lot of people in it, at least a few more than Claresholm, and I learned quite quickly that despite my education and persistence, I didn’t know the right people. I’m fortunate enough to have grown up here, and knew the right people to get some work.
If you see me out and about around town I’ll more than likely be carrying around a camera and following in Rob’s shadow, who will introduce you to me if I don’t get to it first. I’ll be writing and researching for some articles we’re doing here, along with working on our social media. I’m happy to be back in town, and looking forward to the experience and knowledge I’ll gain while working here.
Terril Orsten is a fourth-year student at Mount Royal University, who grew up in Claresholm. He is interning at the Local Press, and will be sharing his experiences over the next few weeks.