It was extraordinarily wonderful to start my Day 2, June 7, 2022, in Canada with a sumptuous breakfast at the Market Garden in Chelsea Hotel Toronto. I finally met in person all co-Fulbright TGC fellows to Canada this year and IREX Fulbright staff who chaperoned the group. We couldn’t contain our excitement about this fellowship and eagerness to learn something we could bring back to the U.S.

Our morning program, held at the hotel’s Baker room, started with a Welcome and Agenda Overview by IREX Staff Emily Dudley, Lynn Seumo, and Gina DeSantis. The IREX staff reviewed the agenda, logistics, and expectations for the duration of the International Field Experience. IREX presentation was followed by the Welcome Remarks from the representatives of the U.S. Embassy Ottawa and Consulate Toronto, namely: Christina Higgins, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Ottawa (Fulbright alumni, U.S. to Germany), and Diane del Rosario, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Toronto. The representatives discussed the work of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General, the role of American diplomats, and bilateral policy priorities. Our morning program culminated with a Presentation on Special Topics in Canadian Education by Hang Lyu, EducationUSA Advisor for Fulbright Canada. Ms. Lyu discussed Ontario’s education system, including its priorities and initiatives.

In the afternoon, aboard a commercial bus rented by IREX, we traveled to Central Technical School to meet with the Toronto District School Board representatives. During the meeting, we were introduced to the structure and select initiatives of the school board, including specialized schools, destreaming curriculum efforts, and newcomer/ELL programs. Presenters included Mike Gallagher, Superintendent of Education; Anne Chirakal, Principal of Central Technical School; Reiko Fuentes, Principal for Secondary Program and Admissions; Jason To, Coordinator of Secondary Math/Numeracy; and Suzan Joueid, Principal for ESL, Library Learning Resources, Social Studies, and World Issues. This meeting was very special to me because I got the opportunity to hear more information about Canada’s public school system, especially coming straight from Toronto District School Board, the largest public school system in Canada. 

In the evening, technological advancement helped me discover that a Filipino fast-food restaurant called Jollibee was just a few minutes' walk from my hotel. I tried to check the place and get some food. Then, I became a patron of the restaurant almost all my dinner times in Toronto. There was nothing fancy about this restaurant, but it fits my cultural taste buds. Fulbright taught me to be globally inclusive and appreciative of cultures. I felt the pressure to apply it myself.