International Student Ambassador Reflection – Maria Jose Eguigure Torres

“Life experience is the best teacher” – David Letterman

Since I arrived in Canada in the fall of 2022, one of my goals was to make the most of my college experience while embracing this new phase in my life in a new country, culture, and language. Something that I always say is that change is constant and sometimes we will be in situations where we need to step out of our comfort zone while learning from each experience. The good news is that we are not alone in this journey, we will meet people that will help us, guide us, and be our mentors and at the same time, all of these will bring out the best of us.

Being an International Student Ambassador was not just a title to carry, it had a deep meaning for me. As a Latina and as an International Student, I wanted to be an example and a voice for students. When I saw RRC was looking for Ambassadors, I didn’t doubt it and applied. I was eager to help, to represent not just my community but also be an instrument in which people around me knew about resources that RRC offered, go to events, network with staff and students, learn about other cultures, and at the same time, enhance our communication and teamwork skills.

I know firsthand how hard it is to move from your home, start basically from zero in another country plus dealing with work, and assignments, keeping your mental health and having time for your family or yourself. It is so much to take that sometimes we miss the fact of enjoying the journey and the process. That’s why I decided to apply, because if I could reach or inspire 1 person, and help them in their process or motivate them to get involved, I would fulfill one personal goal while helping them thrive in their personal and professional life.

This program taught me more than I thought it could. I got the chance to go to new places and experience the diversity of culture that Winnipeg offers. Recalling some of the experiences I had, I can mention Festival Du Voyageur, Boo at the Zoo, Antiracism Committee, Well-being Ambassador, Cultural Party, several activities from the SA, Intercultural Exchange Program and I also had the opportunity to go to my first Jet’s Game. I also met incredible people that now I call friends and I’m so grateful about it. Besides developing and enhancing my leadership and public speaking skills, I can affirm that I’m not the same person and that I’m becoming the best version of myself. I can’t thank enough for all the opportunities given and skills developed that will continue to help me in my professional life. Special thanks to the team (Parmeet, Genelyn, Mohitpreet and Marvin), since the moment I met you all, I knew you were special and I felt that I could relate with you all in someway or another, wish you the best!

I would like to encourage students to engage more in college activities, get more often out of your comfort zone, you will not regret it and remember that dreams, do come true with hard work and dedication.