Greetings fellow Houstoneers. My name is Ann Marie Hak, and I am the new reporter/photographer at Houston Today.
Most of you know me personally. Maybe you’re the neighbour that watched me grow up on Hungerford. Maybe you’re the teacher that educated me at Twain Sullivan. Maybe you’re the friend from Houston Secondary School that I played rugby with, acted alongside in drama zones, and made the best memories possible in those short four years. Or maybe you don’t know me at all, but recognize me walking around Houston as, “the girl with the yellow boots.”
Born in Vancouver, raised in Houston since I was eight months old, I know this community like a map of my own heart.
Since graduating from Houston Secondary, I have travelled to various countries over the years, but have always returned to ground myself and reconnect with all my loved ones here at “home base.”
You might be surprised to learn that I have been a writer since the age of eight. My first entry was written in a Disney notepad, complete with Mickey Mouse stickers, that read, “I saw two rainbows. It was lovely. I love it.”
I never thought that I would be taking my passion in writing and turning it into a career.
I honestly didn’t believe that it was possible to do what you love for work.
Until one day I looked at my mother and I finally realized; she has been doing exactly that for 14 years.
Life continues to amaze me in the ways it shakes out for us.
I have always been someone that is as fluid as the wind. (Cue Pocahontas music). I go where I am needed. I go where I am called to be. I go where my heart resides; and my heart resides here in Houston.
So I encourage you to say hello if you see my yellow-boots walking down the streets of our beautiful community. And please reach out to me if there is an event or story you want me to cover. You can find me at the Houston Today office on weekdays between 9am-4pm, or contact me via text/call at 250-845-4686.
I look forward to serving the community as your local home-grown reporter, and connecting with all you wonderful Houstoneers.