From a Bumpy Start to Vanier 2021 Valedictorian - Andrew Caza is an Inspiration: Languages and Cultures 2021 Graduate

When Andrew Caza speaks of his years at Vanier, he simply bursts with joy and enthusiasm. That is a terrific outcome for a student whose first year in Cegep was a disaster. His grandmother who was also his close friend passed away, his family situation was not great, he was overworking, and his transition to Cegep was not smooth. "My first semester of Cegep at Dawson College proved exceedingly difficult, and I was left with no choice but to take a medical leave," says Andrew. However, he did not give up and a year later, he came to Vanier to study in the Languages and Cultures Program. There he discovered a passion he was not expecting. He also proved that hard beginnings do not mean the story ends badly.

"For three years I immersed myself in an amazing program with fantastic teachers. I worked tirelessly, not for grades, but for a growing interest in a program, which was fueled by all my teachers' obvious passion for the material they teach. As a result, I finished both of my language courses instead of only one, simply because I enjoyed this program so much."

"My course content often followed me into my personal life as well. In my free time, I searched for Spanish and Italian literature to study and improve my understanding of foreign languages and cultures. My knowledge served me well in class as well as with Spanish and Italian clients I serve in the 80-hour work-weeks of construction I did in the summer."

Andrew could never have predicted where he would be today

"I'm a wee Irish boy who grew up in Sainte Thérèse, surrounded by Francophones, yet not able to speak French. If you had told me ten years ago I would be where I am now, I would never have believed you. Today I can speak French, I have learned about French culture and I enjoy it, and I have French friends. All that is thanks to Vanier and my program of studies. I not only learned other languages, but I also learned about other cultures, other ways of thinking and of seeing the world, other ways of being. I could never have imagined being where I am now or being who I am now."

With so much time dedicated to his program, did Andrew have time for anything else?

"I took great pride in my personal health. Cooking and meal preparation became a pastime that developed from a chore into an element of pride. In addition to eating properly, I did two hours of exercise every day to maintain a healthy body and mind. My regime provided me with the energy I needed to be active and enthusiastic in my classes every day."

How did the pandemic affect his life?

When the pandemic closed down much of Montreal, Andrew was no longer able to participate in volunteer work and cultural activities. However, he did not waste his time and began researching institutions to take part in once Covid 19 ended. "One of my volunteer activities was speaking with English residents at the senior's home near my house. Some of them have not spoken their native language in years and thanks to my bubbly personality and my permanent smile, I brightened up their day as much as I could."

"My positivity is a trait I carried into the classroom as well. I tried to participate as much as possible and show my teachers that I was not only interested in the material, but shared in their passion as well. In spite of the pandemic and having classes online, we still connected with one another in our classes. I could never have asked for a better community. The past year threw everything it had at us, and we came out of it stronger than ever."

"When I think of it, the pandemic wasn't all bad. People my age want to socialize together a lot. However, the lockdowns meant we were alone, and frankly that gave us time to look inwards and reflect on who we are and where we are going. I think that opportunity to slow down and reflect on ourselves and the world around us was a huge benefit."

What did Vanier give Andrew?

"My 3 years at Vanier were the best in my life and they went by in the blink of an eye. It's also easy to make friends at Vanier. Even when you first walk into a new class, you can start talking to the students around you and you immediately start to make connections. On top of that, my Languages and Cultures Program was truly a pleasure!"

And Now?

Andrew is studying English at Concordia University and already working as a substitute high school teacher for the Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles north of Montreal and Laval.