Personal Achievement

Description:
Ever since I started elementary school, I had the dream of moving to another country and
meeting new people. As I grew older, I started planning on moving to Canada for grade 11 and
therefore be able to study university in BC as well. However, due to COVID, during the year in
which I was supposed to start issuing my student visa, the Canadian embassy closed. Given that
in Mexico, vaccines were not available, and the pandemic worsen over the months, my agency
told me it was very unlikely for me to move to Canada for grade 11. Furthermore, the school I
applied to was full and my application was set on a waiting list.
Despite all odds, four months before Grade 11 began, my agency informed me that as fate would
have it, I have been accepted to R.E. Mountain. Therefore, I just needed to get an appointment
with a Visa Application Center to get my biometrics taken before July 2021, and hope for the
best. Immediately, my parents and I began sending emails to the Visa Center to get an
appointment in Mexico City, only to find out that all appointments were booked up to December.
After long research, we found out that I could travel to another country to get my biometrics.
Ergo, my dad and I, embarked on the adventure of traveling to Panama and coming back the
same day to complete my visa application process.
During my appointment, the officer asked me how long I was planning on studying in Canada
and my academic goals. At first, I thought she was just trying to make small talk and I answered
as such. Later, I found out that, thanks to that small talk, I had been granted a two-year student
visa even though I had not yet paid my Grade 12 tuition. For me, that was a sign that my life was
about to change entirely.

Personal Relevancy:
My student visa not only gave me the chance of having a fresh start and building a new life in
Canada, but also of gaining independence and freedom. Furthermore, I felt proud of moving
abroad alone, as it represented a new stage in my life where I had to solve problems on my own
and learn how to find love and peace within myself. Upon arriving in Canada, I meet
international friends with who I shared special memories with and who became my family.
Likewise, immersing myself in a different culture and language, helped me redefine my identity,
my skills, and my lifestyle. For instance, I discovered that my personality in English is
completely different than in Spanish.

Skill Development:
Thanks to the safety of the country, I started using public transportation to go to school, run
errands, and meet with friends. Accordingly, I improved my time management skills and my
self-reliance. Likewise, moving out of my parent’s house at the age of 15, helped me learn how
to manage my finances and spend money wisely. For instance, I realized that considering that I
have to take the bus, dining out is more expensive and time-consuming, than cooking at home.
Thus, I know how to track my expenses and I am mindful of my money.
Every now and then, especially during winter, it is hard not to miss my friends and family.
Therefore, I had to learn how to control my emotions and adapt to my environment. For instance,
when I feel homesick, I find it helpful to cook Mexican food and listen to Spanish songs to boost
my mood. Furthermore, whenever I have a rough day, I enjoy journaling, reading a good
romance book, or working out.
When facing challenges, being resilient is crucial to not giving up. There have been times in my
life when I have had to go through moments in which I doubt my abilities and my decision of
studying abroad. For example, when I get lost or a bus is delayed and I am alone at night, I feel
scared and blame myself for choosing to move away from my parents. However, I always try to
find effective solutions to my problems and stay optimistic.

Self-Awareness:
Living in Canada made me realize that I enjoy having the freedom to decide my career path and
how I want to build my life. Here, I can choose what classes to take according to my post-
secondary plans as opposed to schools in Mexico. Likewise, I can walk safely in the streets or
take the bus alone because of the safe of the country.
During the time I have lived here, I learned that family is a fundamental part of my life and that I
can take care of it even from a distance. Likewise, I learned that cooking helps me remember my
culture and that I can get used to rainy weather. Today, I know that I want to be a successful
software engineer, buy a big apartment near the city, own a car, and build a family here.
Overall, moving to Canada has made me realize that I have the power of making my dreams
come true.

Future-Connections:
Thanks to my student permit, I have improved noticeably my English communication skills and
can express myself in another language through essays, text messages, and daily conversations.
Likewise, I know how to make and follow a budget to spend my money wisely.
Academically speaking, I can organize my time and ideas to finish tasks and work towards
achieving my goals. Furthermore, I can create meaningful friendships with people from all over
the world and keep in touch with them at a distance. Finally, my student permit keeps track of
how many years I have been in the country which can help me apply for a temporary or
permanent residence.