Osman OZSOY shares a profound perspective on gratitude and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of valuing what we have and recognizing our unique strengths. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how individual struggles can turn into strengths, reminding us that life's value lies in how we perceive and utilize our circumstances.
Troy Van always had questions about his mother’s past, partly because of Delia’s reticence about it. When she passed away two years ago, new details about her emerged from different sources that totally surprised Troy. A history teacher, he’d built his success on honesty and credibility. In the end, if contradictions in Delia’s life taught Troy a lot about himself, he also learned to accept her choices for survival in a turbulent world.
A heartwarming story from a Lebanese friend highlights the cultural challenges and kindness encountered by immigrants, as two women collecting grape leaves for a traditional dish were unexpectedly gifted pizzas by a compassionate police officer. This anecdote underscores the importance of understanding and supporting the diverse needs of newcomers in our communities.
Join a heartfelt journey of self-discovery in 'Solace.' Flipping through early journal pages, delve into the highs and lows of finding a second home, battling inner demons, and embracing personal authenticity. With each turn of phrase, find solace amidst life's turbulence, celebrating the beauty of resilience and growth.
In his poignant narrative, Bryan Kaye Senfuma honors the courageous human rights defenders worldwide, highlighting their unwavering commitment amid adversity. As we celebrate Canada's role as a beacon of hope, Senfuma urges us to stand in solidarity and take tangible steps to support these defenders in their pursuit of justice.
As the last tendrils of winter's grasp yield to the gentle caress of spring, the world awakens in vibrant hues and joyful melodies. Join us on a journey through the season of renewal, where nature's transformation mirrors our own quest for introspection, gratitude, and celebration.
A lifelong learner’s granddaughter tells the colorful story of his love of learning, every day of his life, everywhere he lived.
My name’s Ming Sun Lam from the big city of Toronto. Thanks for the chance to gab about myself, especially at this point when I’m finally a college grad, and more career-minded than ever before.
This heartwarming essay challenges preconceptions, unveiling the joy, comfort, and hidden brilliance found in everyday moments. Join the conversation on appreciating the present, embracing the familiar, and exploring the uncharted territories of the seemingly ordinary.
One of the news we saw most in the Toronto media this summer was the growing number of homeless people in the parks and the housing problem of newly arrived immigrants.
My name’s Tiffany from the Georgetown area in Ontario. Thanks for letting me share a few moments from my childhood, family, and recent times that make up my life of almost twenty-one years.
I stumbled upon this noble poem adorning the serene landscape of St. James Cemetery, where my dear friend Jill is remembered.
The true story of a teenager's unhappiness since an unwilling move to a different city.
Dear Diary,
Life has not been the same ever since we watched Avatar: The Way of Water; just like COVID, life can now be classified as before and after
She drank the fresh air and bathed the sunlight; she carried the whiff of a lily and the grace of a peacock.
My name is Gabriel Henry. I was born in Thunder Bay and lived there until the end of Grade eleven.
Born in 1970 to Macao businessman Man-Yun Chin and his third wife Emma, Paul grew up studying Chinese, English and Portuguese in excellent schools.
Two years ago, Elon Osman and Bill Poon met at a basketball event and became fast friends. Knowing Elon needed a place to stay, Bill lent him his Toronto apartment while he was teaching in the Yukon.
Angie Cheng is a parent, worker, and university student. Earlier this year, she told Learning Curves (Spring Issue 2021) how her family of five had lived through a year of COVID. Last week, I asked her to tell me more about her life since coming to Canada twenty years ago.
Angie Cheng:
Home together 24 hours a day. My name is Angie. I live in Flemingdon Park with my husband and three children.
Virginia Robos studied bartending soon after coming to Canada from San Antonio, Chile. “Skinny Ginny” (as friends called her) wanted something quick and job-ready to support her family. A short hospitality certificate seemed perfect at the time.
When I first met Helen Denny five years ago, she was working as a seamstress at a dry cleaner on my street. When I asked for help with darning a sweater, she suggested the technique of reinforcing small stitches with invisible thread.
John Murphy has always been proud of his loud voice and intricate ideas with elaborate arguments, but more importantly, he enjoys giving people advice solely based on his own opinions.
Julie Jackson and I first met at a public library concert two summers ago when she sat next to me.
Do you remember Duoli’s story? Are you interested in what’s going on with me recently. Since September 2011, I have insisted on learning English step-by step.
Zhihai is an ESL student in the first level ESL class at Overland Learning Centre. It is remarkable that he is 91 years old and has been learning English for over two years now.
I often chatted with Tim when he worked at a store near Toronto’s Main and Gerrard Streets.
When I first met Susan Shin in November 2017, she was a college student studying international business.
Jimmy was pronounced “Dead on Arrival” when he arrived at the hospital. Adelle had heard this earlier.
When I first met Mugi last year, she was working at a Chinese supermarket. As we got to know each other, Mugi told me she would soon start evening English classes.
I've always thought that the space we live are like pictures where the walls carry embedded memories.
For several years, I would see Sonia’s welcoming smile behind a local library’s reference desk.
On my street lives Aaron Siu whom I met four years ago.
Pete was in the classroom when I showed up for the first meeting. He had already read the course outline and purchased the textbook.