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On International Women's Day (March 8), Coast Mountain College (CMTN) put a spotlight on our adventurous, strong-willed, and independent female international student community. Jam Perolino (Philippines), Judith Ogoegbulem (Nigeria), Giuditta Salsi (Italy), and Palak Sidhu (India) share their stories of struggle and success as they manage student, work, and family life in a foreign country.
Jam and Judith have two things in common: one, they had left their countries to pursue education in Canada; and two, they both had their children while studying at the college. Jam, a first-time mom, admits to still adapting to her new life, but is grateful for the gift of her son. The second-year student says, "I am just taking things one day at a time, utilizing every bit of time efficiently, and appreciating each small win in my daily struggle."
Judith, a first-year student and mother of two, agreed that time-management and flexibility are crucial for juggling both student and family life. When asked how she cares for a toddler and a baby while managing to attend her business classes, she explains, "It requires continual balancing and compromise, but my determination and resilience drive me forward."
Whether raising a child or living alone for the first time, allowing oneself to be open to changes and new experiences in a foreign country can be rewarding, as first-year student Giuditta attests to. Her adventurous nature, she says, made her decide to pack her things and experience Canada for herself. "I believe that each new place has its own story to tell, and I am eager to listen and learn from the diverse perspectives that I encounter," Giuditta says.
Culture shock and loneliness, however, can hit even the strongest and most adventurous of people. Second-year student Palak would sometimes long for home, but remembering her father's words would bring back her sense of motivation. Palak explains, "He always said that things are hard when you think of them as hard, and even harder when you do not have faith in yourself. Trusting my power is the key which motivates me to be a better version of myself every day."
These four ladies are just a few among our many resilient female international students across different campuses, each with her own unique background and story to tell. Which is why, in all days of the year, CMTN is committed to supporting our international students and promoting a safe and diverse community that accommodates all genders and backgrounds.
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