Clubs Coordinator Leia Ali shares her story on taking a chance and moving to Canada to start her #SheridanLife

CANADA. Canada was a place I never visited for years, didn’t remember much, and wasn’t too sure if I’d ever return. Here I am, 16 years later, in Ontario, at Sheridan College, pursuing a degree in Finance.

My journey to Canada was an unexpected one but also a rough one to speak. This was because, at that point in time, I was unsure about my career, what I wanted to do, and where I wanted to go, but I knew I didn’t want to stay where I lived. As a solo female leaving my little island of Trinidad and Tobago, transitioning to a cold climate country is both a huge culture shock and a shift in general. Now you’re probably wondering why, when, where, and how did I get to this point—growing up as a child, I always had this gut feeling that I wasn’t meant to experience life in one country. I’m a Sagittarius man, we love to travel. With the privilege of being able to travel at a young age, and Canada being my first country visited, my parents, trusted me to travel once on my own, prior to COVID-19. This gave them the green flag to allow me to travel on my own. I also think this reflected a sense of responsibility as a young adult to manage in another country on your own.

A tip I’d give is that if you have intentions of moving abroad, make sure it’s something you truly want because there are a few bumps to cross.

When it comes to my time period in Canada, it was sadly during the pandemic, which we still are currently in whilst writing this blog. Therefore, my travel experience was completely different this time. From flying 6 hours on a plane with a face mask on, being at an airport for over 2 hours, and having to take PCR tests within 48 hours of travel. It was all so new to me, scary but new. However, I managed because I was enthusiastic to begin my journey of being successful in my career and endeavours. I originally stayed with family, which unfortunately did not work, and then my alternative housing option shifted to staying at Residence.

Funny enough, staying on campus was not something I anticipated BUT, it enhanced my experience as a student here in Canada. I remember feeling like a lost puppy, not understanding how to take public transportation, how to commute, and sadly even not knowing how to cook. I was given a reality check when I realized I am an adult. I said to myself with my own words “Oh my goodness, it’s just me and me alone, now you got to cook meals for yourself, do laundry, clean, be careful what you wish for.” Growing up I always wanted to live by myself and have that freedom and I was given that, and it wasn’t a bed of roses. I also learned the importance of economizing as a student. I do admit I spent money on things I didn’t cater for, which is expected. You will end up going out with friends for dinner or just doing fun things and it’s part of your experience as a student. On entry to Canada, I was so strict on my spending that I felt guilty in the process. However, the advice I’d give is that it’s okay to go out with friends but be mindful of spending.

In Canada it’s important to know that being independent is required as a solo person and sometimes it’s not just a choice, you just adapt to it. It may be a comfortable transition and some days maybe not, but as an adult, you will learn that it’s part of life and for the best. My source of motivation would be my family since this is an investment for my future in the end and I’m very grateful to be granted the opportunity to both be a student at Sheridan and experience life in Canada. My end goal is to eventually reside here and possibly with my family as well.