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!

The Holidays are coming...

...and everyone who knows me, knows that I’m a sucker for everything that has something to do with Christmas. I still remember driving my grandfather crazy with my request to play the Christmas CD over and over again while we tucked away a lot of food combined with the best wines my grandparents stored in their wine cellar. And then there were all these presents just to show each other you love them. That’s the true beauty of celebrating Christmas with family and friends, just enjoying life and letting each other know you care!

This year, however, will be totally different for me. Not only won’t I be able to join my family since flying home for a couple of weeks is just not worth the money, but I’ll also have to say goodbye to a lot of people who made my past months here so much better. I never could have imagined becoming friends with so many people from all over the world in such a short time, but I guess it helps if you’re all in the same boat :-)

 

Although saying goodbye isn’t one of my fortes, I became better at it since I know that this isn’t a goodbye but a ‘See you later’. I accepted the fact that many people will walk in and out of my life, but I’m only letting the special ones leaving footprints behind in my little Belgian heart. Guess I do have to make my trip around the world one day in order to meet up with all the true beauties I’ve met.

As of today, my well-deserved Christmas Break has officially started. Hello to 3 weeks of absolutely no obligations, but just doing what I want when I want. I have to admit that I’ll probably spend a lot of time catching up on some sleep, watching The OC (again), running around in my comfy PJs or sweats, and just eat and drink lots. I might hit the slopes too, but that all depends of my mood :-)I love making no plans at all and just going with the flow, because once in a while you’re body and mind just need some time to wander off and enjoy life to the fullest!

 

With regards to my life as a COTR student, I think it’s pretty safe to say that I did a good job. I finished my courses with 2 times an A (between 85 – 89%) and 3 times an A+ (≥ 90%), which is pretty good :-) I worked really hard for it, just to prove that all of this is worth it because I get that going back to College after obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree isn’t something people take for granted. Although I’m not sure yet in which sector of the Tourism Industry I want to work, I just know that this is want I want to do :-) As my parents always said: “Julie, you have to find something in life you love.” and that’s what I did!