When I came to Canada a day before my birthday last year, I had no idea how this would change my life until the same day the following year.
I celebrated my birthday alone that day, jet-lagged, trying to fix my sleep schedule and not even realizing that it was my favourite day of the year. That day made me feel like I was going to be all alone till the day I was in Canada.
On my next birthday, I was at Niagara Falls, Ont., at 12:30 a.m. with a bunch of friends that felt like family.
I never knew these people before coming here, nor did I connect with them in an instant. It took time, and I felt alone, but it was all worth it.
The most important thing this country has taught me is to value people and relationships. When you leave the people you have lived with your entire life and move to a new place to start from scratch, the only thing you want is that same connection again.
Because no matter how hard we try to hide it, this place starts to feel like home. And there is no home without family.
Before immigrating to Canada, I didn’t think I had the maturity and sensibility to make and hold adult friendships. Because let’s accept it, none of us have time, and we are all struggling. But when you know that the person in front of you is feeling the same thing you are feeling, it gives you strength because they will get you.
This is the part of being an international student here that no one talks about enough. I think this country is not credited enough for the things it teaches you.
It teaches you no matter how alone you feel, there is always someone out there feeling the same way.
I do have a few friends here that I knew from back home, some very close friends. If I wanted, I could have stuck with them forever. I would have never had to make new friends. But again, adult friendships are hard. No one has time.
I had to get out of my shell. I am generally an introvert around people, but those who are close to me know that I can be the loudest person in a room. I had to step away from being an introvert to building these new friendships.
So yes, another thing Canada teaches you is to step out of that comfort zone because it will not let you go anywhere.
So yes, this place does feel a little like home now, especially now that I have a second family here. But there is no home without teachings, learnings, and lessons.
Which is why I think this place feels like home now.