Shifting my career was the moment that changed my life. I still remember the days of working as a middle-income earner in a government office in the Philippines. My routine was repetitive given the endless cycle of paperwork, reports, meetings, and overtime. Over time, I felt unfulfilled and trapped, as if I were merely existing rather than truly living. Even when I took occasional breaks and vacations, the happiness I got was temporary and would end the moment I returned to work.

Adding to this frustration was the growing envy I felt toward my batchmates, who seemed to be achieving so much more despite being around the same age. I often found myself asking, “Why don’t I have those kinds of opportunities?” This lingering thought bothered me, making me realize that if I wanted to change my life, I had to take action.

A Life-Changing Decision

The turning point came when my partner received an incredible opportunity to pursue further studies in Canada. She had been accepted into the University of Manitoba (UoM) for her Master’s degree, and while I initially considered staying behind and doing long-distance, she encouraged me to explore educational opportunities as well. At first, I thought of applying for a work permit, but she insisted that I look into post-graduate programs instead.

I started researching universities and colleges in Winnipeg that offered programs related to my background in agricultural economics. I was initially drawn to the graduate studies program at UoM, but I was hesitant to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test due to its cost. That’s when I discovered the Post-Degree Diploma in Marketing Management at the University of Winnipeg – Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE), which accepted Duolingo English test results, a cheaper alternative to IELTS. Also, Marketing Management was an exciting field that offered creativity, critical thinking, and growth opportunities. It was everything I felt was missing from my previous career.

With this determination, I began my application process. After submitting the required documents and paying the tuition deposit, I was admitted to the program. However, the real challenge lay ahead: securing my study permit and paying the remaining tuition fees. It was a stressful process, filled with uncertainties, but my partner and I remained hopeful. Luckily, we both received our visas and study permits, allowing me to officially secure my spot in the Winter 2025 intake.

Starting from Scratch in Winnipeg

Moving to Canada wasn’t the hardest part of my journey. Adjusting to my new life was. Upon arrival in Winnipeg, I realized that I was starting from scratch. I had no job, no family nearby, and my savings were my only financial safety net. Everything felt overwhelming, from going through daily tasks like grocery shopping and using public transportation to figuring out how to open a bank account and access healthcare. The cultural shift was also challenging, as I had to adjust to different social norms and communication styles, a process that required patience and openness.

Battling the Cold: The Harsh Reality of ‘Winterpeg’

Of all the adjustments I had to make, the biggest one was coping with the extreme winter. Coming from a tropical country where 25°C was considered a cool day, experiencing -35°C temperatures was an absolute shock.

I remember one particular incident while waiting for the bus along Pembina Highway. I had forgotten my winter gloves, and despite wearing more than three layers and stuffing my hands into my jacket pockets, the intense cold still seeped through, which was painful. That was when I truly understood why Winnipeg was nicknamed Winterpeg. The harsh weather made even the simplest tasks such as taking the trash out, waiting for public transport, or just breathing in the cold air, a challenge.

Finding Comfort in PACE

When orientation week at PACE began, I was nervous but excited. Walking into my first class, I immediately noticed a woman smiling at me. On impulse, I asked, “Kabayan?” (a term Filipinos use to refer to fellow countrymen), and she happily responded. Just like that, I had a friend, and the weight of my anxiety lessened. Having a familiar face in the classroom made all the difference, and we quickly became close.

Orientation week also provided structure to my academic journey. The instructors and staff walked us through what to expect in the program and the resources available to us as international students. I appreciated the refresher courses in Math and English, which helped the transition into our coursework. The entire experience reassured me that I had made the right choice in pursuing this path.

Another enriching aspect of my experience in PACE so far has been meeting people from different cultures. It’s been amazing to see how much we all have in common, despite our differences. The shared experiences of being international students and adapting to life in Canada have created strong connections. At the same time, the unique traditions, values, and perspectives each of my classmates bring with them make every interaction a learning opportunity. It’s a reminder that, while our cultures may vary, the connections we form surpass these differences.

Discovering a Piece of Home in Winnipeg

One of the places that gave me a true sense of belonging was Seafood City, the largest Filipino supermarket in the city. Walking through its aisles and seeing familiar products gave me a sense of comfort. The sight of what looked like a food court selling grilled and fried Filipino food, along with traditional dishes like sisig and lechon, and the sounds of Tagalog music playing in the background made me feel as though I had flown back into the Philippines for a moment. I even saw one of my favorite Filipino desserts, carioca, which are sweet, sticky rice balls covered in caramel, and it added to the sense of nostalgia. The store also had signs that read, “Feel at home in Canada”, and for the first time since arriving, I felt at ease. It was nice to know that, even thousands of miles away from home, I could still find a piece of the Philippines here in Winnipeg.