People of Georgian: Learning about different cultures shapes student’s perspective

What’s your story?

The Georgian community is full of unique, inspiring perspectives —and we’re sharing them as part of an ongoing series.

People of Georgian: Meet Zaahiya Kachwala

I lived in Saudi Arabia for the majority of my life before I moved to India for a few years.

I’ve travelled to Australia and few different areas of India, and then I moved to Canada to attend Georgian. I’ve been exposed to so many different cultures and that has pretty much shaped the way I am.

A person smiles while standing next to a railing with Niagara Falls behind them.

‘I learned how different people think – place to place, region to region’

I find I’m able to empathize with people more than the average person who comes from just one background or culture. I’ve learned how different people think – place to place, region to region.

A big learning point in my life was when I moved from Saudi Arabia to India for high school, just for a change and adventure. My parents stayed in Saudi, and I lived in a hostel for two years in India.

It was a completely new experience for me, not only moving countries, but for the first time I was living alone and going to a co-ed school. In Saudi, I went to an all-girls school.

I met a lot of people from other countries while I was at the new school, and I had to adjust to all kinds of restrictions and rules. I was shy and couldn’t speak up that loudly and not everyone I met was good to me, so I learned how to regulate my emotions and stand up for myself.

A person stands in front of a cityscape with a large archway.

A person sits on the ground outside and uses their hands to shape pottery on a pottery wheel.

‘I’m really proud of who I am’

But it has always been important to me to connect with people and learn about different cultures.

Even speaking to other students here in Canada – they all have different, unique perspectives.

A person stands outside in the snow and does a yoga pose.

A person stands with arms outstretched in front of an outdoor tree covered in white lights.

The key is to be yourself and allow others to be their true selves and then try to understand their perspective, whether you accept it or just respect it. Act how you want to be treated. If I’m talking to someone – no matter if it’s a friend or stranger – I want to make sure they feel like they belong and are able to express themselves openly in front of me.

I’ve had some people tell me it was nice chatting because they didn’t feel judged. How was I able to do that? I believe it’s because I’ve met all kinds of people and experienced their behaviours, perspectives and thinking, and from that I’m able to provide a space where people can feel welcome.

What I want for my life is to be remembered as the girl who helped. I’m really proud of who I am.

Zaahiya Kachwala (she/her), a student in Georgian’s Marketing Management program and alumna of the Human Resources Management program (class of 2024).

Our categories