I arrived in Utah exactly a year ago today to crash in Penny’s spare room, with two suitcases, and a plan I abandoned within weeks of arrival. I didn’t think I was going to be here long, and had no notion how many incredible friends I’d make, or how many amazing opportunities I’d have. Nor did I have any idea how much I’d come to love it here.

Nothing was certain when I got here except for Penny’s help, and her assurance that it’d work out in the end. As is so often the case, she was right. I lucked into some really great roommates, and the Grizzlies family welcomed me in with open arms.

Leaving Toronto was like a species of nightmare, but it may just have been the best thing that ever happened to me since it made me move here — which probably never would have occurred to me otherwise.

I’m so grateful for all of you who made it so easy to turn a strange new place into home.