Our Northern Lights is a platform that showcases our people, their stories, and celebrates their achievements. We hope that their journey will inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
Sometimes you just have to follow your dreams, no matter what you’re told.
Jane Busa, an international student from Cebu in the Philippines, was expected to join her siblings in the family printing business, but decided to follow her own path and find her identity outside of her family. Despite earning a degree in hotel and restaurant management, Jane’s family still presumed she would come to work with them.
“Being the polite person that I am, like, how do I tell my dad ‘I don’t want to work for you’ without breaking his heart?” said Jane.
Once she landed a job at an international hotel, reality finally set in for her family. Jane loved her new job and finally felt like she was forging her own path. Unfortunately, once the pandemic hit, Jane had to return to her family and was forced to re-evaluate.
It was through talks with friends and guidance from her church that she decided to make the leap and move to Canada. Jane tried for express entry, but didn’t quite make the cut. She knew the next option was to apply as a student, especially because of the quality of the Canadian education system.
Jane’s previous degree in hotel and restaurant management made her the perfect candidate for the Northern Lights College Business Management Post-Degree Diploma. She was accepted and arrived here in the fall of 2023. Jane says her relationship with her family has improved tremendously after her move to Canada.
Read on to learn a little bit more about Jane:
What 3 words would you use to describe your experience here at NLC?
Shocking , supportive, and very straightforward
What would you tell another international student thinking of coming here?
Just communicate and just relax and assure them there’s community here, not just in the dorms or the other students, but also in the community.
What is your favourite Canadian food?
There’s a drink that I’m really loving, it’s the Canada Dry Ginger Ale.
What was the biggest culture shock?
I think it’s the clean up after an event. At home, you put on an event, bring your own stuff and clean it up, and the janitorial staff do the rest. And I remember I was volunteering for the rodeo, and I recognized Todd, the president. Him and his wife were mopping and sweeping up! I was like what the heck? And then he asked if he could take the garbage! As soon as I got over the shock of that, I think to this day, it’s still my fondest memory. I appreciate it so much: to have everyone, regardless of rank, just pitch in – mind blown!