My Journey on Becoming a Leader While Following my Dreams

By: Prachi

Moving to Canada wasn’t a sudden decision, it was a slow and gradual process. Ever since I was ten, I imagined and daydreamed about life in a different country, and as the years passed, that urge grew stronger and stronger. And like some people say, what’s meant for you will always find its way to you. 

When I was in Grade 12, COVID came and forced everyone to stay home, these tough times brought something positive: I got the chance to take a step back and reflect on what I truly wanted in life, so I decided to embrace my dreams. But convincing my protective parents wasn’t going to be easy. Choosing to follow my own path meant letting go of the future they had envisioned for me. If I had any chance to go study abroad it required the strongest arguments for my parents to trust in my decision. I spent hours researching colleges, and universities, reading about different resources for international students, transportation and everything else I needed to know to make my move. After presenting my research to my parents, they finally agreed and after a few months of paperwork I got accepted into Sheridan for the Business Diploma, I was officially a Sheridan Bruin!

Fast forward to my orientation day in Winter 2022. I remember two students in blue ‘Peer Mentor’ T-shirts welcomed us, they talked about how to make the most of Sheridan’s services and guided us through the campus. Curious, I asked them more about their roles, and they explained: Peer Mentors help students navigate their journey at Sheridan. I was instantly inspired! This was exactly what I wanted to do. One day, as I was walking through the aisles of Sheridan, I saw the 'Now Hiring Peer Mentors' posters, I applied immediately and a few weeks and an interview later I got selected! And just like that, a student leader was born! It’s been two years and I’m still grateful for this incredible opportunity. 

At the start of my Peer Mentor journey, I worked at the HMC Student Orientation, helping students on their first day of the term. After a long day that started at 7:00 am, I was exhausted and about to head home when a student ran up to me. 'I remember you! You helped me find my first class!' she said. She was an international student like me. I had noticed her looking lost earlier that day and walked her to her classroom, chatting along the way to ease her nerves. I shared my name, my program, and some tips for making the most of Sheridan. Before stepping into her orientation, she gave me a calm smile—like she was ready to conquer it all! That moment stuck with me. 

I like to call this my ‘Lollipop Moment’— a term from a TED Talk by Drew Dudley that highlights how small actions can have a big impact. That experience showed me how even the simplest actions can make a difference in someone’s day. This moment inspired me to become a Student Ambassador, representing Sheridan through presentations, tours, and open houses. 

While this all might seem very positive. Starting post-secondary can be overwhelming. Like many students, I had moments of doubt and loneliness. Living away from home isn’t easy. You miss family, traditions, and the comforts of home. But trust me, every challenge is part of the journey, and in the end, it’s all worth it. It’s a process that will take time but eventually, you’ll end up where you wanted to be.

I’m happy I found a community that understood and supported me in this journey. I met the most amazing people at Sheridan EDGE, an entrepreneurial hub I signed up for a membership without knowing much about it. One evening, while staying late on campus, I received an email—EDGE was hiring for their Advisory Board. I hesitated, already juggling two jobs and a full course load, but something in me said, “Go for it.” So I applied, got selected, and met Nadine, Althea, and Meghna – the Powerpuff Girls of Student Engagement! Our goal was to connect students with EDGE, and in that space, I found an environment where my voice mattered. The encouragement I received helped me grow as a leader, and one opportunity led to another, I even landed my co-op with EDGE, building relationships that will last beyond graduation. 

They say your circle shapes you, and I believe it! I’ve been lucky to surround myself with people who encourage me to speak up. I remember my first class visit as a Peer Mentor. I had to give a 15-minute presentation to new students, and I was terrified. My coordinator, an introvert herself but a fantastic speaker, told me: “You’re not selling services, you’re sharing your true experience.” That advice changed everything! I stopped worrying about giving the perfect presentation and focused on connecting with people through my story. Since then, I’ve never hesitated to share my voice in front of a group, even when I stand alone. Leadership isn’t an overnight process, it’s a journey of being open to different experiences and learning from our mistakes. 

We are all more than just students! We all have our unique life experiences and these shape our unique perspectives, as a community, that’s our greatest strength. By connecting with others, learning from their journeys, and sharing my own, I learned to trust in my voice and go after my dreams. So don’t give up on yourself! You already have what it takes to be a leader, a team player, and a go-getter.

Dream big, set high goals, and surround yourself with people who inspire you, allow yourself to expand your horizon. Remember: If you miss the moon, you’ll land on a star. And if you see me in the hallways: don’t forget to say Hi!

Do You Have an Entrepreneurial Spirit?

Got a great idea for a business but not sure how to bring it to life? From hands-on mentorship and co-working space to funding and expert advice, Sheridan EDGE has your back! Whether you need support with business strategy, measuring your impact, or getting the word out through marketing, EDGE is your go-to spot for making things happen.