Featured Trooper: Kelsey Janna

What is your background / what do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?

I was born and raised in Prince George and have worked for Telus communications in the Future Friendly Home division for almost 9 years and soon plan to be working full-time from my home office. I have 2 beautiful children, Thomas(7) and Haylen(4) who take up a large amount of my time and energy. For hobbies, I love crafts, card making and painting. I love the outdoors, camping, snowshoeing, swimming, and exploring new places.

When did you see Star Wars for the first time and where?

The first time I watched Star Wars was when I was 7 years old. My 2 older brothers sat me down with 3 VHS tapes to learn what Star wars was. At the time I thought they were torturing me. When I was 15 I watched the movies again and I was hooked.

What is your favourite Star Wars movie?

My favourite Star Wars movie would have to be Empire Strikes Back.

What is your favourite costume and or prop (any franchise)?

My favourite costumes from Star Wars would of course have to be Leia, however, I love my TK as I love to be a faceless character, and trooping truly for my character. If it was any franchise – my favourite video game costume would have to be Snake from Metal Gear solid.

What costumes (SW related or otherwise) have you made before?

My first costume and only costume is my TK – ANH stunt. I assisted on the build as I ran into this blindly. Like everyone, I have my sights set on more. 🙂

What inspires you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

I have always had a creative drive to create and design things and love nothing more than seeing the end result. In the last few years I have had the pleasure of working next to an amazingly skilled member who has helped fuel my passions and has shown my my possibilities are endless. 

How did you first find out about the 501st Legion?

I volunteered at the first Fancon in Prince George in 2015 for the event itself. A nerd at heart, I was drawn to the booth and the costumes…I kissed R2 and that was it… 🙂

In 2017 I met BH-31905 at Fancon and I’ve been tied to the 501st ever since.

What drives you to stay trooping in the 501st Legion?

I think the biggest thing that drives me is seeing the reaction on children’s faces and being able to make the difference in someones day. As a child I spent a large amount of time in Vancouver Children’s Hospital going through treatment, within that time many different celebrities and costumed characters came through trying to brighten our days. The ability to give this back now as an adult, melts my heart each and every time I put on my kit.