Shalom Jose is a Northside Changemaker

Interview provided by Northside Rising, an Inspiring Communities nested initiative.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Shalom Jose. “Shalom” means ‘peace’ or ‘hello’ in Hebrew. I belong to a minority group and underrepresented group. I graduated in BSc. Biotechnology, with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Environmental Studies from Cape Breton University. 

I am a proud participant of the Northside Changemaker program where I have been working on a food security project, “Harvest @ Home,” which will provide thirty ready-to-grow mushroom bags for the residents of the Northside.

How did you hear about this program? What drew you to applying?

I always look for the opportunities to learn and grow and give back to the community. I invest  my time and energy  into it. I saw the Northside Changemaker Program online, and because I was interested in doing a community project on food security and supporting local producers, I applied immediately. I was put on the waitlist at first, but remained hopeful and got the call that I was in! 

What do you love about the Northside? What makes it special?

The Northside is a  calm and quiet place… very peaceful and friendly people. At first the beauty of nature attracted me to the area. 

When you think of the word Changemaker, does anyone you know come to mind?

I would say my parents really are Changemakers. They support and care for children as well as the elderly people in the community. They both work with the government to develop new programs for them. They are real Changemakers.

What are your hopes for the Northside? Why is that hope important to you/ the community?

Fresh food, air, water, shelter is essential for healthy communities. Availability of fresh and healthy food for the people in the community is critical. I would love to see that access here.

Rapid Fire Questions

 (Adapted from Brene Brown Rapid Fire Questions)

Fill in the blank: Vulnerability is _______________

Showing up even if you are not comfortable or afraid of the results.

You’re called to do something brave, but your fear is real and stuck in your throat. What’s the first thing you do?

Show up… do what I can do. I do not like to be in my comfort zone,  because there is no growth and personal development being in the comfort zone. Facing challenges in life builds up confidence. Failure can not fail you until you submit to it. 

What is something that people often get wrong about you?

I know some people do not like that I have slow progress in my life. I would love being in a circle of people who love to grow and enrich and give back to the community.  

What’s the last show that you binged and loved?

I love the movie called the Seaspiracy. It shows the real footage of cruelty of humans against the marine animals. Humans who are greedy with money and exploit natural resources–killing the innocent creatures that make our planet beautiful.

Give us a film you really love?

I have a couple of movies to list: Braveheart, Gladiator, Apocalypto, Life of Pi, 3 Idiots, Slumdog Millionaire, Tare Zameen Par

What’s your favourite meal?

Fruit salads, salads, grilled vegetables and meat. 

What’s on your nightstand right now?

Lots of books 

Give us a snapshot of an ordinary moment in your life that brings you great joy?

I love connecting with people who could support each other, working and developing new projects. Cooking a new dish, playing some cards,  watching an interesting movie or reading a self help book. 

What is the one thing you’re deeply grateful for right now?

I am grateful COVID-19 helped me to connect with a lot of new people virtually or in person. I now have time for volunteering, reading, and a chance to develop my soft skills and hard skills.