Ian MacCarthy
“It’s important to me that Knowledge is from BC because there’s this central priority of stories that come from here, which is unique and very special.”
A World to Explore on Knowledge
When Ian MacCarthy was young, he used to think that a boarding pass being torn was the most amazing sound in the world, filled with the promise of new places, new experiences and new adventures just a plane ride away. It’s a sound he’s often reminded of these days. As a gate agent at YVR Airport, he gets to relive that sense of discovery.
“I love learning about different cultures. I love going to museums when I travel and learning about the story of other countries. And I love learning new languages because I feel like that is the best way to learn about a new culture.”
Though the world is at his doorstep, Ian’s favourite escape is closer to home. At his mother’s place on the Sunshine Coast, he fell in love with kayaking, hiking and backpacking. “There’s a profound sense of peace in nature. When I’m out on the water, half an hour paddle from land, it’s a completely different place physically and emotionally.”
Knowledge Network is another escape that’s been a constant in Ian’s life. He grew up watching Heartbeat and British detective series like Poirot, and his mother has been a Knowledge Partner longer than he’s been alive. He always knew that one day he’d become a Partner too. Recently, he decided the time was right.
“I’m part of the community now, and I think that’s cool because Knowledge is so tremendously worthwhile. I love that it brings us programs from around the world because that’s important. But it’s also important to me that Knowledge is from BC because there’s this central priority of stories that come from here, which is unique and very special. I think those stories deserve to be told.”