Meet Charlotte Ribalkin. Charlotte was born and raised in the city of Kamloops. She is a swimmer who loves spending time with her friends and hitting up the Shuswap.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am a born and raised Kamloopsian.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
In my spare time, I love hanging out with my best friend Cassie and my family! Life can get busy sometimes, but spending time with the people that mean the most to me helps me unwind and relax.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Hello Toast is my favourite local business! My family has been regulars there for as long as I can remember.
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Currently, I would love to go somewhere hot and sunny! Our gloomy January weather has me craving the sunshine.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I love to swim and enjoy Kamloops' great outdoor scenery.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I work as a lifeguard at the Canada Games Pool, and one day at the start of my shift I fell into the pool... with my clothes on..
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am a National level Competitive synchronized swimmer and last year I got the opportunity to compete alongside Canada's finest Olympic synchronized swimmers. It was so eye-opening to see these great swimmers perfecting their craft and it made me even more inspired to keep practising hard for the next National Championships.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite memory from my childhood would have to be spending my summers with my family at our cabin at Dominic Lake. To this day, I love hanging out with my family around the fire and making memories in the outdoors.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I do most of my volunteer work with my synchronized swimming club, The Kamloops Sunrays. We have volunteered at events such as The Spartan race, The Cancer Society "gift wrapping" booth and hamper making at the Food Bank. In the future, I would absolutely love to do more volunteer work with our local homeless shelters and with vulnerable youth organizations.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish I could take away all the greed in our world. I believe if we were not plagued with greed, our world would be much more united and at peace. We would be kinder, softer humans.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I love to go on drives out to Tranquille farms or on the North Shuswap road. Kamloops has some breath-taking landscapes and I love taking in all the sights.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see the growth of the North Shore to continue! I believe there is such a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to make a name for themselves on our north side! I love seeing local businesses flourish!
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I believe the people in our city make Kamloops great. I am so proud to be a part of our community as it is so inclusive of all cultures, religions and sexual orientations!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Three things on my bucket list are:
1. Graduate University with a Criminology Degree.
2. Travel to a new place in 2019
3. Enroll in Depot or a Municipal police force.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have been singing, performing and writing songs since I was 7.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram: Charlotteribalkin
Facebook: Charlotte Ribalkin
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle, in general, has been letting go of people, situations, and emotions that aren't making me happy anymore. There is no point in holding onto something that is not fulfilling you.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"I need coffee."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Ellen said it best, “be kind to one another.”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to spend a day with Michelle Obama. I believe she is such a powerful woman in today's society. Her plethora of knowledge and life experience would be absolutely amazing to learn more about!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I believe shopping from local businesses is our citizens best way to support the growth in our community!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I believe my proudest moment to date would be graduating from high school with honours. Going to school and training my sport 20 hours a week was definitely not easy, but I am very proud I pushed through and ended up getting honours!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My parents deserve the biggest shoutout!! I will never be able to thank them enough for all the love and support they have given me! I love you guys!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Katie Prior! Not only is Katie one of Kamloops' finest RCMP members, but she is also my lovely cousin!! Katie runs an awesome business called Beauty Counter and I think "In focus" would be a great platform to showcase that!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity and for using your platform to showcase the lovely people of Kamloops!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
