COTR Semester 3!

Brussels Airport :)

Although 116 days have passed since I left Belgium, it truly feels like I just blinked and we are at the end of my 3^rd semester as a Tourism and Recreation Management Student here at the College of the Rockies!

Life has been extremely busy with assignments, mid-terms, presentations, finals, and then of course working at A&W and also working as a Game Day Assistant at the College every time our Avs play…but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Although I know that some people think I am a rather boring person (because I do not feel the urge to go to the bar every weekend to get sh*tfaced), I truly enjoy every moment I get to spend here! Being older than most of the people attending College here also comes with having completely different priorities, values, and morals which transfers into spending my time off in a way that is more valuable to me than it might appear to others. Yes, I do care a lot about my studies and my grades here as I did not walk away from everything familiar and everyone I love just only to have fun. I am interested in every course I am taking and I also want to walk away with full understanding of all the concepts being taught, so I go to each and every class (even though I sometimes am too tired to drag myself out of bed), do all my readings, and complete my assignments with a high level of precision. I know this puts a lot of stress on my shoulders, but I am truly proud of everything I do…and I know my parents and friends from Belgium are as well, so I do not care about people’s comments about me being boring at all!

Right after my birthday, a group of 4 TRMP students and our teacher Grant Unger left for Vancouver to take part in the 2015 Student Case Competition, where about 17 teams of students from all over BC competed in 4 different categories. Our team (consisting of Leo, Tony, Ashley and myself) competed against 3 other teams in the Diploma category with a Human Resources case, which was only revealed the morning off. After being able to build a 12-minute PowerPoint Presentation for 4 hours, our team had to present in front of 3 professional judges and the other teams…to find out in the end that we won in our Category (which was a first for the College of the Rockies!). 

After attending the provincial BC Tourism Industry Awards Gala where we were officially recognized for our win, having an other breakfast with tourism professionals from the province, and spending some time downtown Vancouver it was time to return to our beloved environment. Although it was an amazing experience to represent our College and meet with people who might hire us after we graduate, it was a stressful and tiring trip.

  

As part of our Event Management class, the 2^nd year TRMPies also pulled a Wine & Cheese Networking Night at the College off. This night was created from scratch and hosted by 11 students who wanted to meet with local industry professionals in order to get a better understanding of the diversity of tourism but also to get their names out regarding a future employment. Although the snow might have salted our game a little bit, the turnout was great and everyone absolutely had a lovely time! Some of us even walked away with a possible career :-)

Pins 'n Pizza

Children's Christmas Party

Apart from being a student, I also try to have some fun (only once in a while though :-D ). At the start of the year, we all went to the bowling alley to enjoy the Pins ‘n Pizza event hosted by COTR’s own Campus Life & Athletics Department. I also volunteered some hours on a Friday Night to help out with the Children’s Christmas Party held at the Gym at the College. Together with Kamilla from Denmark we supervised 130 children who decorated gingerbread cookies with icing and candy. It is needless to say that I went home with a killer of a headache that night, but being associated with the College is always a good thing for now and for the future.

With my date Tony :D

Tony and I also attended the COTR Social Club's Christmas Party at the Alexandra Hall in Cranbrook as a perfect start to the Christmas Festivities. Although Tony and I differ some years in age, I truly believe I have met my College soulmate in him. Not a single day has passed without him being able to make me smile. Thank you Tony for putting up with me! 

As a big “Thank You” the International Department organized a Christmas Lunch for all the International Students who attended the College of the Rockies this past Fall Semester. I cannot thank each and everyone I have met during the past months enough to be part of my International Family. Although we are all different, we are so alike! I love you with all my heart and I am convinced that true friendship can travel the world!

I am sure that there are many more things I could tell you about the past 116 days, but these definitely are the highlights. As of right now, I will be working again at A&W to make some money, but I will mostly take care of my own body as I might have pushed it a little too far the past couple of months. I definitely should learn how to say no, but I always aim to please everyone which makes it hard for me to know when and where to stop. Guess we all know that ‘knowing yourself’ is probably the most difficult precept. 

Julie in Belgium!

After spending 10 months in Canada, my family (and my Mum in particular) wanted me to come “home” in order to catch up with everyone. So I hopped on a plane and arrived in Brussels on Friday morning, June 26 only to find myself back on a plane with destination for Portugal 4 days later for a well deserved holiday.

Although I first had to battle my jetlag, being away from school and work for 12 days in a row did me good…very good! I had time to read a book, sleep, swim, eat, drink, and enjoy some time with my sister Evelien. We also visited the Vilamoura marina, the early market for fresh fruits, vegetables and fish, and the old city of Faro. Being a tourism student definitely changed my view on things, as I could tell that I enjoyed looking around for unique sightseeing things and taking pictures (yes, I became the Chinese tourist in our family :-) )

After arriving back in Belgium, I pretty much immediately started working in the kitchen at Il Cardinale, a fancy and unique burgerbar in the center of Mechelen. Not only did I had the opportunity to work together with amazing and dedicated people, but I also learned a lot about being a cook in a restaurant. Il Cardinale’s house style is based on everything related to religion, which makes it a very lovely place to be. With burgers like The Godfather, Mary had a little Lamb, and Baby Jesus on the menu, I definitely enjoyed being part of a success story.

Il Cardinale Swag <3

My family and I visited Manneke Pis in Brussels, and went to the city of Knokke to enjoy the seaside on my days off. Apart from that, I didn’t do anything special as life in Belgium was busy as is. There are unfortunately enough a lot of friends I didn’t had time to meet up with, but I hope you can all forgive me.

Manneke Pis

Het Atomium

But the time to say goodbye has come again. This coming Friday, I’ll say goodbye to Belgium for the 4^th time not knowing when I’ll be back. Being here for only such a short period of time, made me realize that I don’t want to spend my life here. People are stressed out and forget to enjoy life to the max, which doesn’t correspond with my lifestyle.

I do love everyone I leave behind, but this isn’t a goodbye but a ‘Until we meet again!’.

The end is nigh

After spending 300 days, which can also be converted to 42 weeks and 5 days, or 7176 hours, or 430,560 minutes or 35,833,600 seconds, in Canada my time to leave my room at the Purcell Residence has come. Although I will be back at the end of August to complete my second year of the Tourism and Recreation Management Program at the College, it still feels like I have to say goodbye to people who’ve become part of my life.

I know that everyone assumes that I’m pretty good at saying goodbye since I’ve gained some experience during the past 3 years, but I have to admit that I die a little every time I hug someone when saying goodbye. I do admit that I look like a tough girl who is afraid to show emotions, but that is mostly just because I am someone who isn’t that good when it comes to dealing with emotions and feelings. So please bear with me while I learn how to express myself!

During my adventures here in Canada I’ve met countless people who’ve showed me that you don’t have to be born in the same family or even within the same country to form a bond. You don’t even need to be fluent in the same language to understand how and why people can love each other, because sometimes words just aren’t necessary. I’ve been blessed to meet people from all over the world who slowly became part of my own little family, and although I might not say it a lot…I love you all, and each and every one of you is welcome in Belgium!

While I’m dealing with my emotions with regards to packing everything in my room and saying goodbye to my friends at school and my colleagues at A&W, I also have to deal with going back to a country and place I used to call home. At this moment, I have to admit that I have no clue where home is for me. I am born and raised in Belgium, but my heart is definitely becoming more Canadian. Although I still have no full understanding of the rules of hockey, I still think that rootbeer and putting a float in your drink is gross, I don’t get why Canadians put cheese and gravy on their fries,…I do like living here!

I can’t deny that being here has changed me and my vision on the world. I’ve learned to hug people as a way of showing them that you care, I’ve also learned that the beauty of nature can leave me speechless and that I enjoy being outdoors, but most of all I’ve learned that the world is a beautiful place that I desperately need to discover. I am convinced of the fact that I was put on earth to travel the world and fill my heart with an eternal love for meeting people and listening to their stories.

I am grateful that I have a family who supports me in everything I do and I hope from the bottom of my heart that they are proud of me!

See you soon Canada.

P.S. I Love You!

COTR Year One.

As of the end of April, my first year at the College is officially done. Finals have been written, projects have been marked, and books have been put aside for a couple of months. People always told me that the time you spend at school is time you should enjoy, because it’s one of the most fun periods out of your life. I have to admit that I always thought they just told me that so I shouldn’t drop out of school, but I now realize that they were right. After working for a couple of years, I decided to go back to school in order to live my dream…and I honestly had the time of my life here! I am of course not always motivated to write essays or read some chapters, but knowledge definitely is power in the changing world we live in. I’m grateful for the things I’ve learned about the tourism industry and I’m definitely looking forward to taking on more courses in order to become a tourism professional!

During the Awards Ceremony, held at the College on Wednesday, April 29, approximately 150 students were showered with flowers either for their academic achievements or for their active commitment within the city of Cranbrook. I received one of the 5 International Students’ Excellence Scholarships, donated by the College, based on my GPA score of 9.0. This means that I have an average score of 9 out of 10 for every course I took during the past 2 semesters. I realize that receiving $2000 in tuition fees for my second year at COTR is a huge deal and I’m therefore thankful for everyone who supported me along the way. My teachers, both my International and Canadian friends, the International office at COTR, and all staff members at COTR all have a place in my heart and I probably couldn’t have done it without every single one of them. So thank you all! It is great knowing that I’m appreciated and valued for the efforts I made.

Although I don’t have to go to school anymore, my life is still pretty busy. I’ve helped Clair from the International Office out with the Orientation week for new students and I’ve also helped my teacher Grant during a regional tourism conference held here at the College and at Saint Eugene Mission. I’ve started going back to the gym (since my body is in desperate need of some physical efforts) and I still work about 5 shifts a week at A&W. Guess it is safe to say that I don’t have a lot of time to get bored, which is a good thing since I have a mind and body that don’t know how to relax. I’m still enjoying every minute I get to spend here and I wished that each and every one of you who reads this once gets the chance to visit beautiful British Columbia!

 

The home stretch!

In less than a month, my first year as a TRMP student at COTR will be over. Although it is hard to believe when everyone else tells me, time does fly when you’re having fun. I can’t deny that there were moments where I was completely stressed out and doubted my decision, but I can’t be any happier than I am now!

  

True beauties! <3

Canada is, and probably will be for a couple of years, my chosen home and I love every minute I get to spend here. The weather sometimes gets a little out of control, the French fries aren’t really that good, and I miss my Bicky burger without pickles, but I wouldn’t want to change a thing. I’ve met so many beautiful people who will hopefully stay in my life for a while and I fell in love with myself. Although I know that this might sound a little weird, the peace and tranquility of mind I found here during the past 6 months are priceless. I’ve learned to be happy with who I am and what I have, instead of always wanting more. It is not about trying to aim for the maximum, but it is all about living in the moment and getting the most out of it.

For the next 3 weeks, I will most likely be extremely busy with writing essays, wrapping up big project, presenting some assignments to my fellow classmates, and of course writing finals. And after that, it is time to relax, party, and say goodbye to some friends. I will also help out with orientation for new international students who are arriving at the end of this month, and will complete my 140 hours internship with A&W.

Although I am not homesick at all, I decided to run around in my (not so fashionable) ‘I Love Antwerpen The Most’ sweater today as I am still proud of where I come from. Antwerpen might not be the city I will spend my whole life, but the city and its residents taught me a couple of very valuable life lessons. And not to forget, people in Antwerp know how to party! :D

For everyone who doesn’t know it yet, I’ll arrive at Brussels Airport on Friday morning, June 26, which is the equivalent of 84 more days in Canada. I’ll be more than happy to spend time with each and every one of you once I’m back from my holiday in Portugal, so just shoot me a text if you want to catch up after spending 300 days without Julie, Julia, Joewlz, or whatever you like to call me :-)

Spring Break

No, I didn’t fell of the earth the past couple of weeks…and yes, I know I should have spend some time updating each and every one of you about my life here in Canada. I’m sorry!

Life has been so busy that I kinda forgot about my friends and family in Belgium. Not to be rude or anything, but the time difference and the fact that we all have busy lives just doesn’t make it any better. Just don’t forget you all have a place in my heart and it will be great to see you all again in summer!

 

After the last blog post, I decided to move to another room as I was turning into a little grumpy gremlin in my old room. The noise, the lack of sleep, and myself slowly running out of patience made me move to the quiet side of the building. As of mid January, I live together with only girls in a POD that’s so quiet it sometimes freaks me out :-)

Accompanied by a dozen little spiders (dead or alive) we spend a lot of time on the couch doing what we call “homework sessions”, making sure to not fall behind on our readings, assignments, and huge projects. Combining taking 7 courses at the College with working a couple of shifts a week at A&W definitely isn’t the easiest thing in life, but it keeps my mind and body busy. 

As for now, we can all enjoy a well deserved Reading Break, which is exactly what I needed! Having time to catch up on some big projects, do some readings, and get ready for some midterms. But also enjoying sleeping in and taking it easier on my body are things I desperately needed, as I’m currently out with in-ear infections in both my ears. Having little or no balance due to the ear infections, I’m doomed to bond with the couch and Netflix pretty much all day :-)

Can’t believe my first year being a TRMP student at the College of the Rockies will be over in 2 months. So far, it has been a great adventure! I’ve met some of the most beautiful people, whom I hope I can call my friends for many more years to come, and I’ve learned a lot of things about myself and my personality as well. Guess it’s a safe thing to say that going to school doesn’t only leave an impression on your brain, but also on your heart! 

Cheers to the freakin New Year!

First of all I would like to wish each and everyone the very best for the next chapter in your life! January 1^st doesn’t only gives the green light for 365 new days, but it also gives you the opportunity to discover new things, travel, work out, and most of all just enjoy life.

 

For all my friends and family in Belgium, this is for you: 

" Nieuwjareke zoete, ons varken heeft 4 voeten. 

4 voeten en ne staart. 

Is dat dan geen centje waard ? :-) "

I’ve really tried to come up with some New Year Resolutions for 2015, but in the end it all came down to the following “Live my life to the fullest so I can go to bed every night with a big smile on my face”. This means that I’ll work out, eat healthier, travel, enjoy the little things in life, and of course study…which isn’t that different from 2014 to be honest :-)

During the past 3 weeks I’ve been bored to death, as Cranbrook unfortunately isn’t a very lively city at all. A lot of people left to celebrate the Holidays with their family, which meant that only about 10 people were still residing in the Purcell House Residence. We did however try to make the best of it with a potluck on Christmas Eve, but it’s still not quite the same as being home for the Holidays. 

 

I worked quite a bit, went swimming a couple of times, slept in, organized my room, and watched a lot of TV series to kill the time. Guess it’s needless to say that I’m happy that College starts again tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM! I’m completely ready for the second part of my first year as a Tourism and Recreation Management student. This time I decided to take on 7 courses including 1 where we will earn industry certifications, which will increase our chances for future employment.

The next semester also provides us with a lot of opportunities to relax and enjoy the Canadian life. We’ll probably go to some hockey games, head to Calgary to watch the Calgary Flames, go skiing for 2 days in Panorama, and enjoy breakfast at the College in our pajamas :-) Pretty sure it will be the end of April before I know it!