Si Micari-Lawless (they/them), an international student from Chicago, reflects on their transformative four years at the University of Victoria (UVic) in British Columbia, Canada. Living on campus, they found a strong sense of community and engaged deeply with their studies, working as a research assistant on the SSHRC-funded Linked Early Modern Drama Online project. Micari-Lawless particularly cherished their experiences in the university's Special Collections, where they interacted with historical manuscripts and contemporary art. They credit Lisa Surridge, a professor in children's literature, for guiding them through significant research opportunities that shaped their academic growth. Outside of academics, a standout memory includes cooking gumbo for friends as part of a food and religion class, which helped foster community ties. Looking ahead, they are considering various career paths, including art education and library sciences, while encouraging new international students to connect with others and explore Victoria.