For Pearl, moving to Canada as an international student wasn’t just a physical relocation—it was a leap of faith. It meant leaving behind a stable career as a metallurgical engineer in the Philippines to face the uncertainty of starting over in a new country. Her story is one of resilience, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to personal growth.
From Engineer to Student: A Risk Worth Taking
For six years, Pearl worked as a metallurgical engineer in the Philippines—a career that provided stability and purpose. But she yearned for something more: a chance to grow, to challenge herself, and to see what lay beyond her comfort zone.
“When I decided to move to Canada, I knew it was a risk,” she shares. “It felt like going back to zero.” As an international student, she had to navigate the challenges of a new environment, balancing the high cost of living with the limited resources she had brought from home. “Everything came from my own pocket,” she recalls. “I had to carefully budget for rent, transportation, and food while managing my studies.”
The Struggles of Starting Over
Pearl’s days were long and demanding. Her schedule was a delicate balancing act: classes during the day, work during the evenings, and barely enough time in between for a quick meal or study session. “My workday starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., then I work again from 3:30 to 9:30,” she explains. “The gap in between is just enough for school.”
Her job, like many held by international students, paid minimum wage and required significant physical effort. “It wasn’t easy,” she admits. “The work was tough, but it was necessary to cover my expenses.”
The Power of Resilience and Positivity
Despite the challenges, Pearl remained focused and determined. “It’s hard, but I remind myself why I’m here,” she says. Her ultimate goal is self-growth and maximizing her potential. She sees every struggle as an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
“I’m challenging myself every day,” she explains. “The environment here is so different, but that’s what makes it exciting. It’s about learning and dreaming at the same time.”
Dreams in the Making
For Pearl, the sacrifices are already starting to pay off. “Slowly, I feel like I’m getting there,” she says. “The sacrifices I made before are worth it now.” She believes in the power of persistence, positivity, and self-belief. “If you do something, do your best. Everything will pay off.”
Her story is a testament to the resilience of international students, who navigate a labyrinth of challenges to pursue their dreams. It’s about finding strength in adversity and staying motivated even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
A Message of Hope
Pearl’s journey is far from over, but her determination and positivity shine through. “Keep yourself strong and motivated,” she advises. “Life is unpredictable, but if you believe in yourself and work hard, you’ll get where you want to be.”
Her story isn’t just about starting over—it’s about the courage to dream and the perseverance to make those dreams a reality. For Pearl, Canada isn’t just a new chapter; it’s the beginning of a life reimagined.
