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After a fast-paced, decade-long career in daily journalism, Julia Wright (BA’07) has traded the newsroom for a classroom in the University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) bachelor of education program in Fredericton.

Wright is well-known in her hometown of Saint John for insightful interviews, well-crafted news stories, and historical features. She was host of CBC’s Information Morning Saint John for five years, and before that a newsreader, spending eight years on the morning show.

She previously worked as a digital reporter at CBC and as a broadcaster at CHSJ and The Wave. She also wrote for the Telegraph-Journal, Vice, and BuzzFeed.

Her aunt Vivian Wright, a high school teacher, first sparked Wright's interest in education.

"She took my twin sister Kate and me under her wing when we were growing up, teaching us about local history, architecture and literature. She and other wonderful teachers I had taught me the value of local history and the power of education,” Wright said.

"I remember thinking when I was in Grade 4 that as long as I had a pen and paper, I would never be bored. Writing was always my escape, my relaxation.”

This led her to obtain an honours degree in English from UNB, followed by a master's degree in English literature from McGill University.

A desire for a new challenge and to give back prompted Wright’s decision to leave journalism.

“I am a life-long learner. I was always interested in trying new things within journalism and didn’t want to stagnate in one role. Anyone who has worked very early or late or overnight shifts in any job can understand. There is an expiry date for most people,” she said.

"I realized that teaching was something I could do to effect real social change, and I wanted to apply my skills to the tough issues education faces right now in New Brunswick.”

Wright started in the BEd program this semester.

"It's scary to make such a big life shift. But I believe it is when you're outside your comfort zone that real learning happens,” she said.

“Besides journalism, I’ve done a lot of different jobs in my life. I’ve worked as a teaching assistant, at group homes, as a line cook, as a tour guide – and now, I hope to be a teacher.”

Growing up in New Brunswick, Wright heard more than once that success can only be found by leaving the East Coast. She wants students to realize they can find success here at home.

"There is no limit on what you can do right here," Wright said. "Just because you're from the Atlantic provinces doesn't mean you must go elsewhere to succeed. I want to show students the incredible opportunities that exist in their own backyard."

As part of the BEd she plans to pursue a Certification in Teaching English as a Second Language and an International Baccalaureate educator’s certificate. She aims to teach a wide range of students.

“I want to teach my students how to be discerning consumers of information and to think critically about the sources they're relying on,” she said, adding that skills developed in journalism, such as careful listening, posing the right questions and concise writing are transferable to teaching.

“You get a world-class experience at UNB. People come from all over to attend UNB’s education program because it is 10 months long and known to be a quality preparation for getting you to teach,” she said.

“There is more group work, more interactive work, different ways of submitting assignments. I have learned so much from this experience.”

Wright also praises the Indigenous Education requirement.

“That is interesting too, because it incorporates things like artistic practices. That too is not a traditional university learning experience.”

UNB’s dean of education, Dr. Mary Gene Saudelli, said she is thrilled when those with professional experience in other fields move into teaching.

“Teaching from lived experiences and learning to teach with a wealth of lived experiences, such as that which comes from a successful career, adds a depth of insight and reflection into what it means to educate, learn and engage,” Saudelli said.

“Professionals who turn to teaching as a new career may come to us thinking that they will learn skills, but the reality is they learn theories related to practice, confront and challenge knowledge or ideas that may have been firmly established in their own minds and establish a teaching identity that centres their perspectives and values.”

Wright calls it “a privilege to be able to come back to school and go into something completely different.”

She will complete her practicums at Saint John High School, which she attended as a teenager.

“Going into education is something I can feel proud of doing: It’s an honourable path. I see the value it brings to people’s lives.’”