By Sesa Graham
The Montreal lifestyle
As far back as I can remember, I wanted to travel and see the world. I write this as I sit at my desk in Montreal, Quebec, where I currently live while finishing my internship. I have been in Montreal since the end of June 2022 and have learned a lot in this experience.
I had never been out of the country before my move to Montreal. I visited a handful of states in the U.S. but never had the financial freedom or time on my side when it came to exploring other countries. Moving here was one of the most significant leaps I have ever taken in my 25 years.
Culture shock
The first language is French, a language I only know how to say “hello,” “bye,” and “thank you,” which is entirely my wrong-doing. I have been tapped on the sidewalk for directions by individuals here who didn’t like that I didn’t speak French and couldn’t help them. In Montreal, there is a visual tension between francophones and anglophones, but the one similarity they celebrate is at least they’re not Americans.
My experience here reminds me of why people I know who have traveled to other countries say Americans are not liked. I learned not to share where I am from here as often as I would if traveling to another state in the U.S. because some individuals’ reactions aren’t pleasant. I was taken aback at first when this happened because I can promise that I am not the stereotypical American you hear about traveling to other countries and being disrespectful. I take the culture in and always want to learn more about it. It seems unfair when you judge someone based on their origins.
Moving to Montreal, I expected it to be a culture shock because Grand Rapids was the biggest city I had lived in. I was surprised when I started to know Montreal better and realized it’s like every other big city. The population is vast, with tall buildings and many people walking downtown. The architecture here has so much history.
Montreal has different sections throughout the city, such as Old Port, where I live. It seems like it’s a downtown area because of its many buildings and how close they are together, but it’s just a section of the city. Old Port is the historic port of Montreal and the oldest part of the city. It has buildings you wouldn’t see in the downtown areas of North America. The food is much more expensive but better than in most places. The food is fresher, less processed, and overall better. I mean, the croissants are to die for.
It’s all about balance
I have always been good at balancing school, work, social life, mental health, and alone time. Some of that changed in June when I moved to Montreal. I know what it’s like to work a full-time job, I have even worked two full-time jobs before while in college, but the amount of stress and changes I have faced in these last few months go beyond what I have experienced.
My role as an intern with slø, a sustainable fashion company, includes taking content for their social media platforms, commenting back to users under posts or direct messages, writing press releases, compiling, emails, and influencer outreach. My role with Delta Collegiate is Editorial Consultant, which means I help edit articles, run social media platforms, and write articles. My role as an 18-credit student includes ensuring all of my assignments are done by their due dates and ensuring that I am learning the knowledge from my courses because we all know how difficult it can be to take online courses. My role as far as taking care of myself is ensuring that I can balance all these things while putting my mental health first.
Getting out of my comfort zone
slø had its first jean launch, which meant a photo shoot was going to happen for consumers to see what the finished product looked like. This also meant my job would take behind-the-scenes videos and photos of the shoot in Hamilton, Ontario. However, I also had the opportunity to model the slø jeans, where I got my hair and makeup done, was photographed, and got to network with other individuals there. I have never modeled before. I had done pageant shows and got my senior pictures taken in high school, but nothing to the extent of this. It was an experience that made me come out of my shell and step out of my comfort zone completely. The photographs from that shoot are now on the slø’s website, which was a very surreal moment to see my face on a website that hundreds of thousands of people visit.
Sticking to it
Aside from my internship work, I have balanced working with Delta Collegiate. I have been working with the Delta Collegiate for over a year now, and it was something I refused to give up on while being in Montreal, no matter what. It has had its ups and downs, from being unable to meet with the team in person, but all of my work has been easy to do remotely. I ensure to make the team meetings on Mondays via Zoom and meet with staff members one-on-one via Zoom if needed. It has been different, but it’s been enjoyable. I have made the most out of my last semester with the Delta Collegiate before I graduate in December.
The most rewarding and ultimately life-changing last few months of my life
My experience in Montreal has been stressful, but it has also been one of the most rewarding and ultimately life-changing last few months of my life. I have had the opportunity to try new foods, step out of my comfort zone, meet people from all walks of life, and see the most beautiful views while focusing on my schooling, work, and, most importantly, myself. I hope that when you get the chance, you leap.
