Moving to a new country is never easy, especially when juggling the responsibilities of being a parent, a student, and a professional—all while missing the person who means the most to you. My life in Winnipeg as a PACE (Professional, Applied, and Continuing Education) student at the University of Winnipeg has been a whirlwind of challenges, growth, and unforgettable experiences. As a mother of four, pursuing a diploma in Advanced Business Management while maintaining remote work commitments back in Nigeria, my days are a delicate balancing act. But perhaps the hardest part of this journey has been being apart from my spouse, who remains back home in Nigeria. Despite the distance, our daily conversations over the phone keep us connected, even as I navigate the demands of my new life. Amidst the chaos, I have found moments of joy, community, and personal fulfillment that make this journey worthwhile.

A New Beginning in Winnipeg

Winnipeg, often called the “Winterpeg,” is a city of contrasts. Warm-hearted people balance its harsh winters, and a vibrant cultural scene complements its quiet neighbourhoods. I was excited and overwhelmed when I arrived here with my three children (added to my first daughter, a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Manitoba). The city was unfamiliar, the weather shocked me, and the thought of starting over in a new academic and professional environment was daunting. However, I quickly realized that Winnipeg’s welcoming spirit and the supportive community at the University of Winnipeg would make this transition easier.

What made it harder, though, was the absence of my spouse. Back in Nigeria, we were a team, sharing the responsibilities of parenting, work, and life. Here, I have had to take on those roles alone, and while I have grown stronger, I often feel the weight of his absence. Our daily phone calls, sometimes lasting an hour or more, are lifelines. They remind me of the love and support that transcends distance, even as I navigate the challenges of my new reality.

The Life of a PACE Student

As a PACE student, my days are structured and demanding. The Advanced Business Management program is rigorous and designed to equip students with the skills to thrive in today’s competitive business world. From writing for Academic success to project management, effective written and oral communication, and many more to come, the coursework is both challenging and rewarding. However, being a student again after years of professional experience has unique hurdles. Assignments, group projects, and quizzes that come in quick succession and deadlines to be turned in require significant time and effort, and staying on top of everything while managing my other responsibilities is no small feat.

One of the things I appreciate most about the PACE program is its practical approach to learning. The courses simulate real-world business scenarios, allowing me to apply what I learn directly to remote work and personal projects. The diversity of the student body has also been a highlight. Interacting with classmates from different cultural and professional backgrounds has broadened my perspective and enriched my learning experience.

Yet, even in my academic pursuits, I miss my spouse deeply. There are moments when I wish he were here to share in my successes, help me brainstorm solutions to a tough assignment, or be a comforting presence after a long day. Our daily conversations help bridge that gap, but they remind me of the sacrifices we are making for our family’s future.

Balancing Family and Studies

Being a mother of four adds more complexity to my life as a student. My children are my priority, and ensuring they are settled and happy in Winnipeg has been a key focus. Each day brings new lessons, from helping them adjust to their new schools to navigating parenting challenges in a foreign country. Thankfully, Winnipeg is a family-friendly city with plenty of activities and resources for children, which has made the transition smoother for them than anticipated.

However, balancing their needs with my academic commitments requires careful planning and a lot of discipline. I have learned to make the most of every hour in the day, often waking up as early as 0300 hours to accommodate the time difference between Winnipeg and Nigeria. This early start allows me to complete remote work tasks for the small family business I superintend over back home before my children wake up. It has not been easy, but it is a necessary sacrifice to ensure I can provide for my family while pursuing my education.

During these early mornings, I often find myself thinking about my spouse. He has always been my rock-solid companion and confidant, and his encouraging words and supportive actions keep me going, especially in the toughest days. Our daily phone calls are a cherished part of my routine, a moment to pause and reconnect despite the chaos of my schedule. Whether we are discussing the kids, sharing updates about our days, or simply laughing over a silly joke, those conversations remind me why I am working so hard.

Remote Work: Staying Connected to My Roots

Working remotely overseeing the family business in Nigeria has been a mix of blessings and challenges. On one hand, it allows me to maintain a source of income and stay connected to my professional network back home. On the other hand, the time difference means I often must work odd hours, which can be exhausting. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to projects I am passionate about while building a new life in Canada.

This dual commitment to my career and education has taught me the importance of time management and resilience. There are days when the workload feels overwhelming. Still, I remind myself of the bigger picture: I am building a better future for my family and setting an example for my children about the value of hard work and perseverance.

My spouse’s unwavering support has been a constant source of strength during this time. Even though he is thousands of miles away, he is always there to listen, offer advice, and remind me that I am not alone in this journey. Our daily conversations are a testament to our relationship's strength and motivate me to keep pushing forward.

Giving Back: Volunteering in the Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of my life in Winnipeg has been the opportunity to give back to the community. Volunteering has always been close to my heart, and I have found meaningful ways to contribute here. At St. Bernadette Parish, I have been involved in various initiatives, from proclaiming the word of God during Masses to coordinating Masses and supporting outreach programs. Volunteering has allowed me to connect with others and given me a sense of purpose and belonging in my new home.

In addition to my work at the parish, I have also found joy in participating in the Women of Opus Dei activities here in Winnipeg. Discovering that I could continue my vocation to Opus Dei even far from home was a blessing, and meeting my sisters in Christ here has completed that joy for me. We organize support programs for girls in the club and engage in many other initiatives to support the community.

Even with my tight schedule, I fulfill my daily norms as a member of Opus Dei—a set of prayers that must be done daily. While this can be challenging, I know my spiritual life must not suffer in Winnipeg. Instead, I strive to draw closer to God while pursuing my dreams.

I often think of my spouse and our shared values in my volunteer work. He has always believed in giving back, and I know he would be proud of my work here. Our conversations often touch on these experiences, and it is comforting to know that, even from afar, we are still aligned in our goals and values.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Life in Winnipeg as a PACE student, a mother, and a remote worker has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. I have learned to embrace challenges as opportunities, to lean on my support system when needed, and to celebrate small victories along the way. The experience has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive mindset, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities. Completing the Advanced Business Management program will open new doors for me professionally. I am eager to apply the skills I have gained to make a meaningful impact in the business world. More importantly, I hope to inspire my children to pursue their dreams fearlessly, knowing that anything is possible with hard work and determination. If Mummy could come out with straight A’s in all her courses, as I am working towards, then I don't expect anything less from them.

Of course, I look forward to when my spouse and I can reunite. Until then, our daily conversations will continue to be a source of strength and connection, reminding me that love knows no distance.

Conclusion

Life in Winnipeg has been a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community.

While the journey has not been without its challenges, it has been incredibly rewarding. I give all glory to God, who has been my source of strength. His grace has been sufficient for me, from the early mornings spent working remotely to the late nights dedicated to assignments. Every moment has been a step toward a brighter future. Through it all, I have been reminded of the strength of balancing multiple roles and the joy of giving back to others. Winnipeg may be far from Nigeria, but it has become a place I am proud to call home. As I continue to navigate this chapter of my life, I’m grateful for the opportunities I have been given, the people who have supported me along the way, and the love that keeps me connected to my spouse, even across the miles. This is more than just a story of survival; it is a story of thriving, finding balance, building a life filled with purpose, passion, and love, and enjoying the journey to our destination.

Winterpeg, here we come!