Julia Magsombol
In deciding what to write for this commentary, there were many topics I could have addressed.
I kept returning to the impact of moving—mainly because I am new to Slave Lake and have moved frequently since I was 12 years old. I wanted to explore how these moves have influenced me.
Having moved since then, I realized two things: bringing only what I need is more complicated than it seems, and moving is a scary feeling.
At the age of 12, I left the Philippines. My parents only told me about moving abroad two months before we left. An ordinary Thursday turned into a nearly 20-hour flight to an unfamiliar place.
Years passed. I’m now 23, and I visited the Philippines this July — 11 years after my last visit.
Who would’ve thought I’d be away so long? I was home again and I felt welcome. I always miss my family there.
Shortly after, I’m back in Canada. But this time, instead of living in Edmonton, it’s Slave Lake.
Just weeks ago, I was deciding what to pack and feeling anxious.
I didn’t expect I would get a job in this town? That this will be my new home?
I wanted to write after months of applying to a news publication. Joe McWilliams and Pearl Lorentzen from the Lakeside Leader welcomed me into their team as a new reporter through a call last June.
When August arrived, I packed the important things and headed to Slave Lake.
And while driving for two and a half hours, all I could think was “what is it going to be?” a question I always ask myself whenever I move from one place to another.
Even after spending hours anticipating what lies ahead, the truth is that I can never foresee how things will unfold in a new place.
However, after staying in Slave Lake for almost two weeks, I can only say that it has been good.
The Lakeside Leader team welcomed and supported me during my first week.
I’ve met people in court, in the library, and spoken to many locals. It’s been wonderful.
Two women smiled at me as I left work in my first week as well. They were sitting in the chairs outside Creative Goods & Co.
On my first interview in town, I spoke with Arlene Gramiak. She showed me the Walleye Camp—a place I couldn’t locate on GPS before.
I met people from various organizations in a meeting. They welcomed me.
For the past weeks, all I was hearing was, “welcome to town! Welcome to Slave Lake!”
Now, as I settle here, I notice I’m less anxious than before.
Reflecting on my feelings about relocating, I realize my fear is deeply tied to missing those I left behind and the uncertainty that comes with starting over.
I do miss my family from time to time. I miss my partner and friends. After all, Edmonton was my home for the past 11 years.
Now, I hope to build new connections here in town.
Through all these moves, I’ve learned that moving isn’t just about leaving or arriving—it’s about growing, adapting, and eventually finding a sense of home wherever I am.
Maybe someday, I’ll miss Slave Lake as much as I’ve missed every other place I’ve called home. If I ever leave, I hope the memories and connections I build here will draw me back, reminding me this town, too, has become part of my story.
Or maybe, I’ll realize that I never want to leave here at all.