Through My Eyes

When I boarded a nearly empty flight to Canada in 2021, the world was still in the grip of COVID-19. Borders were tight, travel felt uncertain, and every decision carried an extra layer of worry. Yet beneath the masks and restrictions, I carried something stronger than fear: hope for a new beginning through education. Taking the Leap as an International Student My dream of studying in Canada had been years in the making. The country’s reputation for world-class education and multicultural campuses drew me in, but the pandemic added an unpredictable twist. Getting my study permit meant endless paperwork, last-minute health requirements, and constantly changing travel rules. I learned to be flexible and patient, even when it felt like the goalpost kept moving. Landing in a Different World Arriving in 2021 meant strict quarantine, health checks, and limited in-person interactions. Instead of exploring bustling streets or meeting classmates right away, I spent my first two weeks isolating ...

Immigrating to Canada has been one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. Born and raised in Jamaica, I arrived with big dreams—and encountered equally big obstacles. But through every rejection, delay, and detour, I chose to rise, to learn, and to keep moving forward. My journey isn't just about immigration. It's about perseverance, self-belief, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when the path ahead isn’t clear. A Rough Start: Rejected but Not Defeated It all began with a visitor visa application. I was confident, hopeful… and completely unprepared. My sponsor hadn’t provided all the necessary documents, and I didn’t fully understand the process. The result? A rejection. But instead of giving up, I made a decision that would shape everything that followed: I would take ownership of my journey. I refused to let “no” define my future. Becoming My Own Advocate Determined to do better, I immersed myself in research. I read every...

In a world that often celebrates big achievements and grand gestures, it’s easy to overlook the quiet, everyday moments that make life meaningful. We’re taught to chase after milestones—career successes, big vacations, or personal transformations—but sometimes, it’s the smaller things that leave the most lasting impressions. Think about the last time you laughed with a friend over something silly, or the feeling of sitting quietly in a room with someone you care about, no words needed. These moments may not seem important at the time, but they weave a thread of connection, comfort, and joy through our lives. It’s the small moments that shape our days. A cup of coffee on a cold morning, a text message that makes you smile, or a moment of solitude in nature. These instances, though fleeting, often have a deeper impact than we realize. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the rush of life that we forget to appreciate these little pauses. But it’s in these pauses where we find rest, clarity, ...

There’s something magical about the start of a new year. It’s a blank page, an opportunity to reset, rethink, and realign with the life you want to build. The calendar may flip, but the meaning behind it is personal—a fresh start that only you can define. A new year doesn’t erase the past, but it gives us a chance to carry forward the lessons while leaving behind the weight. It’s a moment to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. It’s a chance to decide what you’ll nurture and what you’ll let go of. This isn’t about making a long list of resolutions. It’s about intention. It’s asking yourself, “What truly matters?” Maybe it’s focusing on health, deepening relationships, finding purpose in your work, or simply slowing down to enjoy life’s little moments. New beginnings can be exciting, but they can also feel uncertain. Change often comes with discomfort, and starting fresh isn’t always easy. That’s okay. Growth happens in the messy, in-between spaces where we pus...

 In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of schedules, to-do lists, and the constant pull of technology. But amidst all the chaos, there’s a powerful concept we often overlook: the importance of simply being present and cherishing the moments we encounter each day. The Beauty of Connection Every day, we meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces. Each interaction carries the potential for meaningful connections. Whether it’s a brief chat with a barista, a thoughtful conversation with a colleague, or a heartfelt moment with a friend, these encounters enrich our lives. Taking the time to truly engage with others can lead to unexpected friendships and collaborations. Mindfulness in Daily Life “Met today” is a reminder to practice mindfulness. By being fully present, we allow ourselves to experience life as it unfolds. Mindfulness helps reduce stress and anxiety, enhances our focus, and fosters gratitude. Simple practices, like taking a moment to bre...

Life is a series of chapters, each filled with its own experiences, challenges, and lessons. As we navigate through these chapters, we inevitably encounter moments that signify the end of one phase and the beginning of another. Embracing these new beginnings can be both exhilarating and daunting, but they offer us a chance to reflect, grow, and rediscover ourselves. The Importance of Closure Before embarking on a new journey, it's essential to acknowledge and process the past. Closure is a critical component of moving forward. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, or a lifestyle, recognizing what has come to an end allows us to honor our experiences and the lessons they imparted. It’s not always easy, but taking the time to reflect helps us to release any lingering emotions and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead. Embracing Change Change is often met with resistance. We fear the unknown and cling to the comfort of familiarity. However, new beginnings often arise from the ashes of o...

Life is an unpredictable journey. Along the way, we experience a mixture of joy, sorrow, triumph, and defeat. Some moments stick with us longer than others, especially those that leave us with pain or regret. It’s easy to dwell on these experiences, replaying them over and over in our minds, wondering how things could have been different. But as much as we’d like to, we can’t change the past. What happened, has happened. The key to moving forward lies in freeing our minds from the chains of what was. The Weight of the Past Holding onto the past can feel like carrying a heavy backpack. Every memory, every regret, every "what if" adds to the load. This weight can slow us down, making it difficult to move forward. We start to live in a world of "should haves" and "could haves," forgetting that the only moment we truly have control over is the present. But why do we hold onto the past so tightly? Sometimes, it’s because we’re afraid of letting go. We fear that...