Othaeron Ross is a University of Alberta student and local creative whose work reflects a deep connection between imagination, art, and community. From childhood, his curiosity and playful spirit drove him to explore different creative avenues, whether through storytelling, visual art, or digital expression. Over time, creativity became not just a passion but a way to reconnect with the freedom and authenticity of his younger self. Through art, he expresses ideas and emotions that transcend words, strengthening his connection to both himself and others while contributing to Edmonton’s growing creative community.

For Othaeron, the creative arts are more than personal expression they are a bridge that unites people. He believes challenges and creative blocks are natural parts of the process, opportunities to step back, reflect, and rebuild stronger ideas. Collaboration fuels his passion; seeing videographers, actors, and producers in Edmonton come together reminds him of the power of art to create unity. To him, creativity thrives when people take risks, stay curious, and uplift one another. That shared energy builds communities that are not only vibrant but unstoppable.

Balancing life as a student, creator, and worker requires discipline and adaptability. Othaeron maintains balance by sticking to routines that give structure to his days, making time for school, the gym, and creative projects. Yet even with structure, life can feel overwhelming. He acknowledges that managing priorities is an ongoing process, especially as he approaches graduation and faces new responsibilities. For him, balance isn’t about splitting time equally; it’s about putting energy where it matters most. True balance means prioritizing growth, purpose, and the things that move you closer to your goals.

When it comes to chasing dreams, Othaeron’s mission is simple yet profound to leave a lasting impression through art that stands the test of time. Inspired by the introspection of Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics, he aims to create something immortal, something that tells his story long after he’s gone. His motivation comes from his friends—fellow dreamers whose dedication pushes him to work harder. He believes that surrounding yourself with passionate people keeps your fire alive. His advice to others is to start with what you have, believe in your own vision, and remember that no dream is too small when it’s your own. Whether using a makeshift tripod or collaborating with peers, what matters most is the courage to begin and the persistence to keep going.

In essence, Othaeron Ross reminds us that creativity, balance, and dreams are deeply intertwined. Through his journey, he shows that fulfillment doesn’t come from perfection but from persistence, the willingness to create, to adjust, and to keep striving toward something meaningful. His story is a testament to the power of imagination and community, proving that when passion meets purpose, even the smallest efforts can leave an enduring legacy.

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Long Term Candid Interviews 19

Today I went to a Filipino event in Edmonton and asked Filipinos:

1. What does culture mean to them?

2. How do you stay connected your culture?

3. What is one thing you are proud of being Filipino?

As a Filipino myself, it is very tough to maintain culture identity in Canada. However, events like these and interacting with other Filipinos helps me stay connected to my roots and uplift Filipino values.

I hope you guys find this video helpful and gain some knowledge about Filipinos.

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Kyle Kasawski is the MLA for Sherwood Park and serves as Alberta’s Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs. With a deep commitment to community collaboration and civic engagement, he brings experience from both the public and private sectors into his political work. His passion for education, transparency, and local connection defines his approach to leadership, always seeking to strengthen trust between citizens, schools, and local governments through meaningful dialogue and accountability.

When discussing Sherwood Park and community life, Kyle highlights the region’s unique balance between rural and urban cooperation. He emphasizes the power of collaboration among nonprofits, local organizations, and residents to keep Sherwood Park vibrant and inclusive. Through programs in sports and recreation, he believes people can connect on a human level, quoting Plato: “You can learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” For Kyle, these shared spaces and activities build the empathy and trust that sustain a healthy community.

On investing in K–12 education, Kyle stresses that the future depends on how we invest in young citizens today. He believes a well-funded education system leads to more productive, resilient, and innovative individuals. Addressing disparities between private and public funding, he points out the need to make education accessible and supportive for all, whether through tutoring, mental health supports, or safe community spaces. Kyle also underlines the importance of nurturing service-mindedness and social connection in schools, reminding us that “we are social animals” who thrive through relationships and shared learning.

In the realm of municipal affairs and elections, Kyle acknowledges the challenges of maintaining transparency and trust. He insists that democracy only functions when citizens believe in the integrity of their local systems. To combat corruption, he advocates for stronger guardrails on gifts to elected officials, expanded powers for the Ethics Commissioner, and increased authority for the Auditor General to investigate misconduct. For Kyle, these reforms are essential to ensuring that public institutions remain accountable and credible.

In conclusion, Kyle Kasawski’s vision for Alberta centers on collaboration, integrity, and education. Whether he’s discussing Sherwood Park’s evolving identity, the value of investing in youth, or the need for transparent governance, his message remains consistent: a strong, informed, and connected community is the foundation for a thriving future.

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