Convocation 2026: Kaetlyn Osmond

Originally from Marystown, Newfoundland, Kaetlyn Osmond’s journey to the convocation stage was anything but linear. Following a successful figure skating career — highlighted by three Olympic medals, two World Championship medals and three Canadian national championships — the now retired athlete traded the ice for the chance to take her lifelong passion for the media industry, and turn it into a career.

Driven by the power of story, Kaetlyn’s natural inclination is to frame every experience through the lens of narrative storytelling, whether it was working in communications at the Edmonton Valley Zoo prior to entering university, and currently, for Skate AB/NT/NU, or in the countless interviews she had as a young figure skater. Building the skills and the confidence to reclaim that narrative — transitioning from being the subject of the news to the one shaping it — is central to this pursuit.

After a brief stint studying journalism in Ontario, Kaetlyn relocated to Edmonton and shortly after began the Media Studies and Technology program in the Faculty of Arts, with a minor in creative writing. A true multi-tasker, Kaetlyn balanced the demands of the program while simultaneously working as a skating coach (and occasional performer), communications coordinator and skating broadcast analyst.

As Kaetlyn moves into the next chapter of her career, her goal remains clear: to tell stories that are authentic and validating. Between her professional communications work and her dream of becoming a published author — the next story she tells might just be her own.

Congratulations Kaetlyn!

Where did you grow up, and what led you to choose this area of study? Have you always been interested in media studies, or is this an outgrowth of your skating career?

I'm originally from Marystown, Newfoundland, but made the trip to Edmonton when I was only 10 years old. Post retirement from skating, I was unsure of what I wanted to do, so I took a few years to self-explore. Being in the media world has always been a passion of mine since I started being interviewed myself at 15 years old. So many times, I wanted to tell my story, but felt like it was being twisted to meet journalistic needs. So I thrived in wanting to tell others’ stories and give them a voice.

I began journalism school in Ontario at Centennial College, but life brought me back to Edmonton before I could complete my diploma. I took a job at the Edmonton Valley Zoo working as a communications and marketing student coordinator, and fell in love with being able to tell stories, promote exhibits, and share what makes being a zookeeper so impactful. So I applied for the Media and Technology Studies program at the U of A and the rest is history.

What has been the most surprising and/or impactful thing you've learned?

The ever changing landscape of media. It is always evolving, but I love seeing the connections that people are building through media. Though it can be an isolating landscape, utilizing it to share the version of yourself that you want to promote is liberating.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

This is tough because there were so many. However, I really enjoyed my nonfiction writing classes with Dr. Jordan Abel. Everyone was such a good writer and willing to open up and be vulnerable in telling their stories. The workshops were incredibly useful, and coming from a skating world of needing constant constructive criticism and validation, these classes provided the opportunity to test the skills, be creative and receive immediate feedback, not just from the prof.

Did you take on any leadership or volunteer roles while you were a student?

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to take part in any volunteer or leadership roles as I work a lot outside of school. I am a full-time skating coach, part-time communications coordinator, figure skating broadcast analyst and still take part in skating shows. With a full course load, I didn't have much free time.

Did you face any significant challenges while you were a student, and if so, how did you respond?

I only had a few challenges. One just having the time to fully commit to everything I was doing. But that was solved by me mastering prioritization and maybe a lack of sleep.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

Good luck! School, and really anything you try, is going to have moments where you question everything. Why am I doing this? What am I really learning? What's the point? Those questions can be unbearably loud in your head and make your school experience dreadful. But look at your goals, the students around you, and look to what brought you to where you are. Enjoy the process, trust the journey, and thrive in curiosity to not only discover what the world has to offer, but what you have to offer to yourself.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

Good question. No clue. Maybe try out a new restaurant with some friends.

What's next after graduation?

Also a great question! If anyone is looking for a social media manager, let me know. I want to continue sharing stories, and promoting people the way that makes them feel worthy of who they are. Other than that, I want to start writing more. Keep an eye out because fingers crossed I'll have a book written. Any help would be appreciated.