A New Page of My Life

CiCi Sze Man Lee
Sep 4, 2018 · 3 min read
on the ferry to Victoria

On 29 August 2018, I arrived at Vancouver with two big suitcases alone. This is not an expected schedule. I indeed hoped to visit Vancouver after I came to Canada in 2017 merely as a traveler. But this time, I, at the first time as a graduate student of my favorite political science come with hopes and ambitions.

Naturally, I never worry about any adaption problems. Student in Canada can get fund as well as work legally. Compared with my past, this definitely is a big bonus. In China, where I was born, I had to compete with thousands of students in my university. Sometimes, talents and endeavor do not mean a pledge. A more reasonable way is you have to play up to the stakeholders especially the ones who outrank you. Quite a lot of demeaning things are heard within campus. The worse thing is, in the so-called democratic country, my nationality is an obstruction to get funding and work. In Taiwan, I am not an International student who can be funded, join in healthcare plan and work. Actually, the hostile group is more suitable to my identity. In fact, I understand the reason why Taiwan government treat me like that. But, I deeply realize if I stay longer in Taiwan, its indiscriminate policy for any Chinese no matter what stance he holds only weakens me even destroys my academic life.

As a result of the above sufferings, a more and more explicit plan and goal has come to mind which won’t make me lost and panic. Therefore, when I arrive at the university of Victoria, I have already known what should I do and where I can find resources.

Today is my fifth day in Victoria. After I gradually adapt to the new environment, I will meet my classmates and my respectable supervisor in the upcoming days. However, I still want to say, for a person aimed at “less Mainland and less Asian”, things and people within campus of course are meaningful. But, the more wealthier things are beyond.

Let’s see what will happen next.

a street side of Victoria downtown
Uvic
uvic
my bachelor apartment

CiCi Sze Man Lee

Written by

Cantonese & mental Anglo-Saxon living in Canada, big fan of South East Asia and Big Data, master student of political science

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