On November 21, 2024, Columbia College’s library transformed into a hub of creativity, storytelling, and solidarity as students gathered for the Journey Through Art exhibition. Organized by students, this event invited participants to explore the theme of “Journey” through various multimedia art forms, including paintings, poetry, photography, and sculpture.
The exhibition showcased students' personal and collective journeys, whether they were through migration, self-discovery, or overcoming their own obstacles. For many, art became a means of expressing their lived experiences as international students in Canada.
The Power of Art in the Student Refugee Experience
Sophie Roth, Resettlement Coordinator at Columbia College, emphasized the significance of this event in raising awareness of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP). This non-profit organization has supported refugee resettlement and access to post-secondary education since 1978. Over the years, SRP has helped more than 2,500 young refugees pursue higher education in safe and supportive environments across Canada.
She also highlighted the importance of sharing refugee students' stories on campus. She noted that this project was entirely student-led—from conception to execution—demonstrating the power of student leadership and collaboration.
“Art is such a great way to connect with others, celebrate diversity, and build solidarity,” Sophie explained. “Columbia College is an international institution, and there are many shared experiences between international students and refugee students. However, these shared experiences are not always recognized. This exhibition provided a space for students to explore those connections.”
The Journey Through Art event also highlighted the resilience and talent of students who have benefited from Columbia College’s bursary program. The bursary provides financial aid to students who face challenges in accessing post-secondary education, including those from refugee backgrounds. The College hopes to see the bursary program continue to grow so that more students can pursue their academic and personal aspirations.
Student Voices: Art as a Tool for Change
For students like Usaid Ali Syed and Victor Muhima, involvement in WUSC and the Journey Through Art exhibition has been transformative. Usaid, a computer science student from Pakistan, described how his involvement in the WUSC Local Committee allowed him to hone his event-planning skills while providing a platform to share stories that matter.
“The idea for this event came from wanting to create something that was both easy to access and engaging,” Usaid shared. “But to really push for it and make it happen, I needed motivation. That motivation came from a Creative Writing Club meeting when I heard a powerful slam poem that ignited the fire in me to bring this vision to life.”
For Victor, a bioscience student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), poetry has been more than an art form—it has been a means of advocacy and personal healing.
“As a victim of war, I use poetry to call for peace and correct misconceptions left by history,” Victor explained. “Poetry is the voice of the voiceless. It gives me a platform to advocate for change in places like DRC, Syria, Ukraine, Israel, and Yemen, where human lives are being lost while the world remains silent.”
Victor’s poetry submission for Journey Through Art focused on WUSC's transformative impact, illustrating how the organization empowers refugee students by providing education and resettlement opportunities.
Art, Advocacy, and the Future of WUSC at Columbia College
Beyond personal expression, events like Journey Through Art underscore the vital role of the arts in social and cultural advocacy. Students share their struggles, hopes, and dreams through poetry, painting, and other mediums, fostering deeper understanding among their peers.
The WUSC Local Committee at Columbia College has been a driving force in making education accessible to refugee students. The bursary program further supports this mission, ensuring that students who have overcome significant barriers have the opportunity to thrive academically. For many, Columbia College is more than just a school—it is the door toward a better future.
Looking ahead, both Usaid and Victor hope to continue using their talents to inspire change. Usaid envisions himself continuing to plan meaningful events that unite people, while Victor sees himself as an influencer for social justice through poetry.
For students considering getting involved in similar initiatives, Victor offers simple yet powerful advice: “Take a leap of courage. Don’t focus on perfection—focus on the purpose. Get involved, collaborate, and commit to making a difference.”
Final Thoughts
The Journey Through Art exhibition was more than just a showcase of creativity; it was a testament to the power of resilience, storytelling, and community. Through the efforts of the WUSC Local Committee, Columbia College’s bursary program, and the settlement support provided on campus, students continue to find ways to express their journeys, inspire others and Find their Voice.
As Columbia College remains committed to justice, inclusion, and academic excellence, events like this reaffirm the importance of supporting refugee students and amplifying their voices through art and advocacy.
For those who missed this year’s event, stay tuned for future opportunities to witness the incredible talent and stories that emerge from the Columbia College community. Through art, poetry, or activism, students continue to shape a world where every journey is valued and every voice is heard.
