January 13, 2023
We are so excited to have four new students joining our Digital Nova Scotia team this winter! They’ve all hit the ground running here at DNS: Oscar and Libby helping out on the Marketing and Communications team, while Paige and Daniel are helping to coordinate and deliver our many programs. Learn a little bit more about each of them below!
Tell us about yourself, Oscar!
Originally from Toronto, I graduated high school from North Toronto Collegiate Institute before coming to Halifax to study at Dalhousie University. I am currently enrolled in the Commerce Co-op Program, with a focus on majoring in marketing. I have always had a keen interest in technology and digital marketing, seen through my creation and management of a social media account with over 80,000 followers.
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
The tech sector in Nova Scotia excites me because of its rapid growth. I believe that this growth will continue to rise over the next few years, making tech a pivotal part of Nova Scotia’s economy. I find Digital Nova Scotia’s “Skills For Hire” program particularly interesting. I believe it is an excellent resource for people that otherwise would not have a chance to get into the tech industry.
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
Usually I work without any sounds in the background, but during more casual work I like to listen to music. Some of my favourite artists are Drake, The Weeknd, and Fleetwood Mac.
What’s something you’re passionate about that would surprise us?
One of my passions is listening to and creating music. I frequently find excuses to listen to music. This includes walking as much as possible, even when driving or public transportation would be more efficient. I enjoy a wide variety of genres, from hip-hop, to pop, to classic rock, and more. Although I don’t pride myself as being a great musician, I enjoy the process of producing music, and see it as a fun pastime with my friends.
What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?
Three items I cannot live without would be my phone, Spotify, and my mini fridge. My phone allows me to connect with my friends and family who still live in Ontario, making it essential to maintaining relationships. As I previously mentioned, listening to music is one of my favourite pastimes, and losing Spotify would significantly affect my day to day life. My mini fridge essentially serves one purpose, which is to keep my water bottle cold. My morning usually starts off by chugging a bottle of water, and my mini fridge makes this possible by keeping the water ice cold all night. I’m not sure if I could get out of bed the same without it.
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Fall
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy
Coffee or Tea? – Coffee
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Vanilla
Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Lake
Fun fact – I’m both a Canadian and Italian Citizen
Tell us about yourself, Paige!
I’m in my second year at Dalhousie in the Commerce Co-op Program. I’m from Toronto, so I made the big move out to Halifax for the first year. Coming to Dal was a very last minute decision but it has paid off and I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I hope to explore Halifax more this summer. My previous summer I went back to Toronto and had my first internship at RBC which taught me a lot about working for such a large company. I’m really happy that I am working for DNS for my first co-op placement as I wanted a more hands-on experience where I could create connections with people and actually have the opportunity to go into the office.
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
I don’t know much about the tech sector in Nova Scotia as of now so I am just excited to learn
more and get a better understanding about what interests me most.
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
Lately I have been listening to jazz music while I work, but I also love to listen to Phoebe
Bridgers, D’angelo and Amy Winehouse.
What’s something you’re passionate about that would surprise us?
My pet rats Luca and Bunny. So many people hate rats but they are super smart and the
sweetest and cutest little creatures ever. I’m also pretty passionate about being vegetarian, I
love making vegetarian meals for my friends and family and experimenting with new foods and
flavours.
What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?
My phone, my noise canceling headphones and disinfectant wipes.
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Spring
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy
Coffee or Tea? – Coffee
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate
Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Ocean
Fun fact – Not a very fun fact but I am allergic to onions and garlic and I’m also vegetarian, so there are a LOT of foods I can’t eat!
Tell us about yourself, Daniel!
I am currently in my fourth year pursuing a major in marketing at Saint Mary’s University. I am originally from Riverview, New Brunswick and I have been living in Halifax for 4 years. My family has played an essential role in who I am today.
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
What excites me most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia is the ability to assist others in the community to learn and improve their digital presence. Interested in all areas!
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
While I work, in the background I’m probably playing a podcast about golf, which is a new hobby of mine.
What’s something you’re passionate about that would surprise us?
I have always been very passionate about sports. Growing up I played multiple different sports which gave me the chance to meet new people and visit new places.
What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?
My Phone: Not proud about this answer but phones are a great way to communicate with others and they also provide other useful resources.
Hockey stick: Hockey has always been my favourite sport growing up and I still love to play every now and then.
Popcorn: Popcorn has been and always will be my favourite snack.
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Spring
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy
Coffee or Tea? – Coffee
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Vanilla
Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Ocean
Fun fact – I am a fraternal twin. I have a twin brother named Patrick who is one minute older than me.
Tell us about yourself, Libby!
I’m in my third year studying Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University. This is my second co-op placement. I have an interest in social media and using it to grow a brand.
What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia?
What excites me the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia is probably how vast it is and how it’s always continuing to grow.
While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background?
I usually have music playing in the background while I’m working.
What’s something you’re passionate about that would surprise us?
I really like racing and cars. I grew up going to the racetrack with my dad.
What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?
Three items I can’t live without are; my phone, music and my camera.
Quick hitters!
Spring or Fall? – Fall
Android or iPhone? – iPhone
Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy
Coffee or Tea? – Coffee
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate
Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop
Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl
Ocean or Lake? – Ocean
Fun fact – My favourite colour is purple.