Priyanka is a new community member who has quickly become part of the HLSL family. As a Master’s student in Change Management, she offered her time as an intern to help us transition during our restructuring, and since beginning her internship she has hit the ground running. We are grateful to be able to count on Priyanka to bring her generous, hard-working spirit to our events and to the Rimouski Resource Centre where you can find her during our opening hours.
Where are you from? Where is home for you?
I am originally from Kerala, India and I currently live in Rimouski, Quebec. While India will always be home to me, I am gradually building a feeling of home in a new place here in the Lower Saint Lawrence. The welcoming community, cultural diversity, and strong connection have made my transition a very meaningful one.
Did you know about poutine before you arrived? Best place to get it if you do know?
Before coming to Canada, I didn’t know much about poutine. I first tried it while I was in Ontario, but I never imagined that I would eventually move to Québec, the home of poutine! After arriving in Rimouski, a friend introduced me to it properly, and I was excited to finally try local poutine. It was a fun and delicious way to experience Québec’s food culture
What is your favourite place in the Lower Saint Lawrence, and why?
My favourite place in the Lower Saint Lawrence is Parc Beauséjour in Rimouski. It was one of the first places my husband and I visited after moving here. The beautiful view of the river, surrounded by greenery, immediately captured my heart. The peaceful atmosphere inspired me to start capturing the beauty of this region through photos and moments, and it remains a very special place for me.
Your favourite pastime?
My favourite pastime is creating content by capturing beautiful moments in the Lower Saint Lawrence through photography and video. I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially near the river or in green spaces, and documenting the natural beauty around me. Cooking is another activity I enjoy, and I love learning and trying new cuisines here. They are truly delicious.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of perfect happiness is inspired by actor Jim Carrey (came across one of his quotes while scrolling through Instagram), who once said that happiness is a choice and comes from within. I believe true happiness is not about having everything perfect, but about choosing to stay positive, grateful, and present in the moment. Finding joy in simple things, meaningful connections, and everyday experiences is what happiness truly means to me. Paying it forward and helping others whenever possible is also an important part of my happiness, as it brings a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
What talent would you most like to have?
The talent I value most is my creativity, especially in photography, video creation, cooking, and dancing. I enjoy capturing beautiful moments, experimenting in the kitchen, and learning dance steps on my own. Because of my interest and talent in cooking, my family and friends often say that I should have pursued hotel management or become a chef instead of studying business administration. Recently, I also realized that I may have inherited a creative side from my mother, who is a wonderful painter. I have only painted a couple of times in my life, but when I moved to Canada and tried a sketch, it surprisingly turned out well. That’s when I laughed and thought, “Oh my God, I didn’t realize I had so many talents hidden inside me!”
What is your greatest achievement?
One of my greatest achievements has been building meaningful friendships after coming to Canada, especially in a Francophone community where I never imagined I would one day be living. My family and friends were initially worried and often asked how I would manage in Rimouski without knowing French. However, despite the language barrier, I was able to connect with people and form strong relationships. Being part of Heritage Lower Saint Lawrence has been especially meaningful to me. I never imagined I would come here and meet such wonderful friends. The connections I have built here are truly invaluable and are what I consider my greatest achievement.
What is your motto?
Stay kind and believe in karma, a value deeply rooted in Indian culture. I strongly believe that what we give to the world, whether kindness or positivity, always finds its way back to us
Biggest regret?
My biggest regret is doubting myself at times and not taking certain opportunities earlier. However, I have learned that every experience comes with a lesson, and those lessons have helped me grow stronger and more confident over time.
