Would you believe me that in 17 years, I’ve moved a grand total of 15 times? Moving throughout my 17 years of life has been a long, yet adventurous journey that ultimately brought me to Squamish, a place I now call home.
I grew up in Guatemala, surrounded by family, close friends, and a vibrant culture I grew to love deeply. My family moved around Guatemala seven times, each time introducing me to new places to explore. However, we were interested in how life was in the U.S. and Canada. It wasn’t until I left Guatemala for the first time in 2020 that I began to really appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of my home country.
Our first move was to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where we lived in a small apartment for a year while waiting for our Canadian permanent residency cards.
Though I enjoyed discovering a new place, I quickly began to miss Guatemalan food—nothing beats a good traditional dinner! After a year, we returned to Guatemala for four months to finalize our permanent residency (PR) applications. Those months reconnected me to the culture, family, and food I missed so much.
In 2021, our PR cards arrived, and we moved to Pemberton. This was a big adjustment—from city life to a remote small town. On top of that, our house had no internet, so we had to drive 25 minutes into town or visit neighbours just to connect online. Can you imagine living without constant access to the internet? I sure can’t. Despite these challenges, though, Pemberton was only a stepping stone; our goal was Squamish.
After searching, we found a place in Valleycliffe, and we decided to move immediately. I started Grade 10 at Howe Sound Secondary and grew attached to Squamish’s cosy, tight-knit vibe. I was really enjoying my time studying, and classes were teaching me a variety of different things. But suddenly, we decided to move again—this time to Nelson. It was a charming little town, but after just seven months, we moved back to Squamish, where we truly felt at home.
That second arrival was very encouraging. Reuniting with friends lifted my spirits, even as we lived in a cramped studio apartment while applying for housing. Eventually, we were lucky enough to win a random draw for a house, finally giving us a permanent place to settle. Our search for housing was an arduous one, but winning that draw made the wait worth it.
It’s been a long journey to get here, but every step-shaped my perspective and helped me appreciate where I’ve come from and where I am now. I’m grateful to call 麻豆社国产my home.
Joaquin Davila is a Grade 12 student who interned at The 麻豆社国产.
