Meet Donald Dillman! Donald is from Panama but has been in Kamloops for two and a half months. He is an aspiring artist who loves to write music and stories!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am from Panama City, Panama. And I moved to Kamloops about 2.5 months ago to study.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I don't think I have a favourite person, but I definitely enjoy spending my time with my friends and family. Why? simply because I feel loved and also feel like I can be myself.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Home Depot, could stay there for days.
Describe yourself in one word.
Aesthete.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
For a while, a dream of mine has been going to Iceland and travel the whole country by car. Getting to experience the beauty of it, at my own pace.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Taking pictures, hiking and getting to know people's stories.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I won't get into details but I was uneducated in a certain subject, and trying to be friendly and outgoing, ended up saying something a bit offensive. After that, I educated myself and know not to do it again. This was seriously embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Getting to see my own progress and self-improvement in my personality and photography is definitely up there in the most inspiring things in my life. I also learned to deal with anxiety, and that is something I think of whenever I stumble upon an obstacle.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Christmas eve, and going to a house my family has in a mountain in Panama, where there is no electricity, no phone signal, no wifi, just nature.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have a big project in mind, that will raise awareness for the environment. I also help people capture moments that will bring them happiness in the future. I also pick up trash from the street.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I want everybody to get along, so we can finally put our minds together and solve all of the problems this world has.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I haven't been here for long. So I still have a lot to explore. But right now it's the waterfall in Peterson Creek.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Better punctuality in public transportation.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The community, I love how everybody knows each other.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. I want to start an organization, to help the environment.
2. I want to leave a positive mark in this world before I go.
3. Learn a little bit about everything.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I write music and stories.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
My Instagram is the platform I chose to show my work to the public: @panamaomen.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I mostly do freelance work so the name of my business would be my name: Donald Dillman.
Why did you get into/start this business?
It started as a passion and my way to express myself in a form of art, and to this day it still is. I absolutely love what I do!
What is the goal of your business?
My perfect plan would be to create something big enough to seriously help the environment. I would use my photography to document it and show people to let them know they can also help the environment.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Self-doubt.
What do you always find yourself saying?
The solution lies within the problem.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Learn to love yourself and get to know every corridor of your own mind. Follow what makes you legitimately happy. Inspire yourself. Know that you are the top priority. To do this there is no real need to try, for you gravitate towards you secretly love most.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Chris Burkard. He is a photographer, speaker, and director. His work really inspires me and I would love to learn as much as possible from him and his experiences.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support local economy and art.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Learning to control anxiety. Also learning to love the little things in life.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Francisco Dutary. He is an amazing person and friend. He an incredible content creator from Panama. He truly inspires me! His Instagram is @franciscodutary.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Paolo Bigit.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Always follow what makes you truly happy. Surround yourself with good people who share your beliefs. And never lose hope. If you put the dedication and your feelings into something you truly believe in, opportunities will present themselves.
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!
