SPRING 2026 NEWSLETTER
Connections
Your Spring Community Update
Struggle, Survival, and Transformation
“G”
My name is G, and I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. Looking back, my academic journey was far more challenging than I expected. I moved to Canada from Guangzhou on my own and didn’t realize how deeply the transition would affect me. I arrived just before the COVID‑19 pandemic, and found myself isolated, unable to attend classes in person or form a social network. Back home, I was always an exceptional student, and I carried those expectations into university. But I struggled in ways I never had before. My confidence disappeared as my grades slipped, and the stress grew until getting out of bed felt impossible. I experienced overwhelming depression and anxiety. In 2023, at one of my lowest points, I considered suicide. Scared, I went to the University’s Health and Wellness Centre and was connected with a
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psychotherapist, who later referred me to LOFT’s Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) program. At LOFT, I met Jessica, my first case manager. She helped me find ways to manage anxiety, plan my weeks, and break my coursework into smaller steps, so it didn’t feel impossible. To read G’s full story, visit www.loftcs.org/gtransformation.
hroughout our work together, G demonstrated remarkable determination and T perseverance, especially facing obstacles. She managed an intense academic path while handling educational and mental health challenges, staying focused and motivated. I deeply admire her strength, dedication, and curiosity, which will continue to support her growth.” – Harsema, G’s TAY Case Manager. SPRING 2026
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