I SAY…Come, Hang Out at Quest

I’VE LIVED in Squamish for three years now, but I had lived in Squamish until last summer, that is to say, down the hill from where Quest is. And man, that is one heck of a hill! Travelling up and down its steep slope over three years sort of made an impression on me that ‘down-the-hill-Squamish’ was separate from ‘up-the-hill-Squamish’, mostly because of this intimidating route in between them. It wasn’t before I lived and worked down the hill that I truly fell in love with this incredible town.

I’m an international student currently in my third year at Quest University. I’m from New Delhi, India, but grew up in Bali, Indonesia. I expected myself to take a lot of time to adjust to living here, especially given the cold climate. However, I found fast that Squamish reminds me a lot of home —not only does it host a large Indian community but it’s natural beauty, proximity to the ocean and adventure sports-related tourism suggest to me that Bali is sort of Sea-to-Sky’s tropical counterpart; Bali is famous for surfing, here skiing is a big one (which is like surfing except the water is frozen…kind of.)

It took me a while before I was able to head down and experience this for myself, however. In my three years here, it was only over last summer that I found out Squamish was so homely. It’s no secret that there’s a disconnect between us Quest students and Squamish residents. There’s certainly been initiatives and efforts on either side to come closer, and one gets a sense that there is unspoken intention in all of us to get to known each other better.

I feel one of the reasons this disconnect exists is due to the physical location of the university. It’s quite literally at the edge of town (there’s a forest outside my window), and not to mention that massive hill. It’s the reason students can feel intimidated in making the trip down. I recently heard a friend say that even taking the bus to town can feel like a big ceremony or chore, even though it really isn’t and shouldn’t have to be mentally. I’ve definitely felt that intimidation myself, but once I familiarized myself with the routes (special thanks to BCtransit.com), I found taking the bus to be a pleasant, even relaxing experience. Besides, even if one feels lost, everybody is so wholehearted and helpful one needn’t hesitate asking.

I encourage students to make friends in Squamish. Having lived here only a few months, I have been quick to make friends for life; and there is no better place to bond with friends then by the bonfire-lit banks of the Mamquam River or in the shadow of the mighty Chief (and who can forget getting lost in your backyard forest?). 

Squamish folk! I think students would be really happy to have you at events. There are some great ones that range from concerts to seminars. If you’re into festivals, then I highly recommend our very own Dancing Bear Music Festival which hits around the start of the summer in April. Event organizers, we students would make for an eager and enthusiastic audience if we got word of upcoming events. In short, feeling a sense of belonging and love for both these communities, I and many others would love to see greater interaction and a sense of unity. We are, after all, residents of the same incredible town. 

This is not to say there isn’t a sense of this already—just a few weeks ago the Brackendale Art Gallery Theatre Teahouse hosted a Poetry Slam Open Mic which was organized by the Quest Students Representatives Council. The event was a resounding success, and saw much interaction between students and residents in a common creative space. I hope continuation of this and more such events will continue to foster our connections.