From survival to living with purpose

Belonging is a journey you can’t do alone

By Amandeep Cheema

When I moved to Canada, I realized how easy it is to feel lost when you’re disconnected from your roots, family, and familiar surroundings. The initial loneliness and struggle taught me that without a sense of belonging, even your achievements can feel empty.

I came to Canada in 2021 to pursue higher education. At first, it was an incredibly

overwhelming experience. I was adjusting to a new culture, a different academic system, and the pressure of managing everything on my own. I spent countless hours searching for part-time jobs just to support myself, all while trying to keep up with my studies. The loneliness of being in a new country, coupled with the financial stress of paying for my education, often left me feeling isolated and even depressed.

But over time, I slowly found my footing. I adapted to the academic environment, secured jobs, and managed to pay my tuition fees through consistent hard work and determination. These challenges shaped me and built my resilience, but more importantly, they also laid the foundation for a deeper sense of belonging.

After completing my studies, my parents arranged my marriage and I met my life partner, someone who brought warmth, companionship, and meaning into my life. That moment marked a turning point. I no longer felt like a stranger in a foreign land. Everything began to feel more grounded and real. I had built a life here, one rooted in effort, growth, and now love. It was through these relationships, experiences, and personal victories that I truly began to feel a sense of belonging—not just in Canada, but within myself.

The power of empathy

I would like to see more openness, empathy, and intentional effort in creating inclusive spaces, where everyone feels truly seen and empowered, and where no one has to struggle alone like I once did.

Too often, people are left to figure things out on their own, which can make it harder to feel like they truly belong. But as a community, we can take a bit more time to listen, include others, and celebrate differences instead of just tolerating them.

One thing I’ve learnt is how powerful small acts of kindness and inclusion can be. A friendly conversation, an invitation to join a group, or even someone simply acknowledging your presence can make a big difference to newcomers, international students, or people from different backgrounds. If more people made an effort to reach out, belonging would become a shared reality for many.

Why belonging matters

Belonging fuels resilience by giving life a sense of meaning, connection, and emotional safety. It’s not an instant feeling but a process that evolves through both personal growth and the support we receive from others. It’s a journey of self-discovery and connection, especially when we’re navigating new, challenging experiences.

Belonging matters because it reminds you that you’re not alone in your journey. It motivates you to contribute, to care, and to grow, not just for yourself but for people around you. It transforms survival into living with purpose.

If I were to give that feeling a colour, I’d choose warm gold. It symbolizes hope, warmth, and the light that comes from unity and understanding. It’s the colour of sunrise, of new beginnings, and of a future filled with compassion.

That feeling of being understood, appreciated, and loved is what belonging means to me.

Story developed by Francine Navarro

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This is part of a series of stories on Belonging.

Do you have a story or thoughts to share about belonging? We would love to connect. You can share that story or leave your contact info in the form and we can document your story for you. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BelongingStories