I moved to Canada in my Grade 12 year in the middle of the pandemic. It was a lesson in perseverance

Upamanyu Dasgupta immigrated to Saskatoon from India in summer 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. He attended Grade 12 at Evan Hardy Collegiate for the 2020-21 school year.

Now, as his university career begins, he reflects back on his challenging first year in Canada. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ. June 24, 2021 I am waiting for my turn to go on stage and receive my high school diploma.  I am standing in my graduation gown. It feels cozy inside the school auditorium. We have each been given 15-minute slots in keeping with the COVID restrictions.  It feels good. I close my eyes to reflect on the past year.