If all goes to plan for Sarah Szloboda, shell soon be going behind-the-scenes at Vancouver Airport as the winner of the Live@YVR competition.
Szloboda, 24, was one of the top five finalists revealed by Live@YVR on Monday as the judging process moved to the final stage of public voting.
Finalists were selected from a pool of 96 entrants on the basis of their ability to engage audiences and their storytelling skills.
The winner gets to stay in a luxury hotel room at the airport for 80 days and an access all areas pass to report and blog on the day-to-day stories of life at YVR.
Szlobodas video showcased her journey to discover what makes a good story.
With only a short window of time to create her entry due to work commitments, she grabbed a microphone and a video camera and went out to Granville Island. What happened next was pure spontaneity.
For better or for worse, Im quirky, so I wanted that to be conveyed, she said.
I learned so much in making the story, and the story is not just about making the story but also about the heart of a storyteller.
Szoloboda, who currently resides in Vancouver, can claim Richmond as her childhood stomping ground. She transitioned from Richmond High School to Langara College, and later, Capilano College, where she earned a diploma in acting.
But her array of talents isnt limited to acting. She runs the company Terminal Theatre, writes for Vancouver Is Awesome, and does other freelance theatre work, too.
Live@YVR may soon be the next. Shes been racking up the votes since being revealed as a finalist and, at press time, was sitting in second place.
I have such a strong imagination that I dont think I could get bored in 80 days, said Szloboda. Its ultimately giving me a free pass to explore my curiosity.
I want it to be not only about videos, but about the idea of being a full-time ambassador for 80 days, she said, explaining her visions of connecting with employees and greeting travelers as a cheerleader for the airport.
To vote, visit http://liveatyvr.ca. Voting closes on Aug. 5.
