Jess Manoj is a University of Alberta engineering student and passionate writer who thinks deeply about what shapes human character, meaning, and moral purpose. With a blend of analytical rigor and introspective curiosity, Jess observes both the structures that guide our lives and the inner worlds that define who we become. Today, we explore three themes central to his thinking: people, technology, and the personal journey of building a moral code.

When Jess reflects on people, he finds them endlessly fascinating because each person begins life with certain limitations, some inherited, some imposed by circumstance yet some individuals still manage to sculpt those limitations into strengths. Those who transform their constraints into meaningful contributions inspire him, because they demonstrate what’s possible when self-awareness meets effort. Jess believes that truly understanding someone requires more than surface impressions; it requires listening, sharing, and entering a cycle of curiosity and vulnerability that only happens when both people genuinely choose it. And while he acknowledges that we all play certain roles to fit into society, he believes authenticity is uncovered by revisiting the past, by asking how places, people, and experiences made us feel, and tracing those feelings back to the self we’ve always been.

When it comes to technology, Jess sees it as something that can ease life’s burdens but cannot create meaning for us. Technology can be incredibly powerful at removing obstacles, but it cannot replace the inner work required to understand who we are or what fulfills us. He believes humanity and empathy exist outside the realm of machines; the timeless questions about virtue, love, and purpose were being asked and answered long before modern advancements. Technology itself is neutral, neither good nor bad, but because people tend to choose convenience, it can contribute to disconnection if misused. Still, Jess believes that those who use technology intentionally, for the sake of virtue rather than ease, will continue to create balance within society.

Finally, Jess’s moral code emerged from a place of insecurity an honest confrontation with the qualities he lacked and the longing to grow. Over time, he realized that even the traits he pursued to gain admiration were not the real source of his discomfort. Through reflection and experience, he came to understand that the only thing truly within one’s control is striving to be a good person; everything else rests in the hands of fate. When societal expectations conflict with his values, he returns to honest analysis, examining where those expectations come from and whether they are rooted in genuine principles or collective compromise. To Jess, virtue doesn’t require rebellion or conformity, it simply requires thinking for oneself, independent of modern praise or judgment.

In closing, Jess Manoj invites us into a worldview grounded in curiosity, self-inquiry, and the belief that meaning comes from within. Whether he’s examining the complexity of people, the evolving role of technology, or the ongoing task of shaping one’s moral compass, his perspective reminds us that growth is both a personal responsibility and a lifelong pursuit.

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Today I ask University Students what their biggest fears are and what they would do if they could never fail.

Lots of thoughtful answers from different walks of life on campus.

I hope you guys learn a lot from all these beautiful people.

I think to grow we must face our fears and in it is where we grow. Fear makes us human and we can use it to our advantage to be comfortable being uncomfortable

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Jesse Watson is a former City of Edmonton real estate supervisor, small-business owner, and committed community advocate whose deep understanding of municipal systems and passion for civic engagement have made him a recognizable voice in local conversations about how Edmonton should grow, function, and take care of its people. His work continues to challenge the status quo by pushing for transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on community-driven change across the city.

When it comes to community building, Jesse believes the biggest barriers today come from red tape and bureaucratic processes that have replaced the simplicity of grassroots initiative. What used to be straightforward, like fundraising for a playground and building it together. Now involves approvals, RFPs, insurance requirements, and complex contracts that discourage community-led projects. He argues that residents and local businesses have increasingly stepped into roles the city once held, from addressing housing encampments to organizing safety patrols, creating a necessity for stronger partnerships at the neighbourhood level. In his view, removing unnecessary barriers and offering practical tools, like simplified permits, ready-to-use toolkits, and clear emergency response plans, would empower communities to bring people together more effectively.

On government accountability, Jesse emphasizes that rebuilding trust starts with the basics: transparent, dynamic dashboards that clearly show how public dollars are being spent. If residents can’t trust foundational reporting, he argues, it becomes impossible to trust higher-level decisions. He believes citizens must challenge the status quo instead of becoming apathetic or fearful, engaging in civic processes beyond the ballot box. From his experience inside city operations, accountability often slips around timelines, costs, and decision-making, reinforcing the need for more honest communication and structural reform.

When discussing history and heritage, Jesse insists that Edmonton’s identity is one of its most valuable assets. He notes that people travel the world to experience culture, so abandoning our own makes little sense. He believes modern development can coexist with heritage preservation when change is human-centered and contextual rather than driven purely by scale or profit. Not all neighbourhoods require drastic redevelopment, and many can evolve while still honouring what makes them meaningful. For him, places like Rossdale tell some of the city’s most powerful stories. rooted in Indigenous history, early settlement, and the layered identity Edmonton continues to build.

In conclusion, Jesse’s perspective ties together a clear message: Edmonton thrives when communities are empowered, government is transparent, and our history is treated as a foundation rather than an obstacle. His commitment to accountability, connection, and cultural preservation reflects a belief that meaningful change happens when everyday people are given the tools and the permission, to shape the city they call home.

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