Category: Experiences

  • 4 Month Life Update: I Feel Like An Imposter

    4 Month Life Update: I Feel Like An Imposter

    It’s crazy to acknowledge that it’s already been 4 months since I’ve moved across the border to America. So much has happened in so little time—from struggling to get my social security number (SSN) to finding a new car and apartment with my partner who also just started his new…

  • First Impressions: Healthcare & Benefits in America

    First Impressions: Healthcare & Benefits in America

    As a born and raised Canadian, I have been blessed with the universal health care system. This meant that I could visit the doctor’s office freely whenever I had any questions or concerns about my health—no matter how small. And at Microsoft Canada, I had an incredible benefits plan that…

  • 5 Ways to Advance Your School & Career This Summer

    5 Ways to Advance Your School & Career This Summer

    Today, I just realized that I’ve never had a summer “off” ever since I was 14! Throughout my teenage and young adult years, I was either volunteering, working, taking summer classes, or all of the above. Looking back, these experiences taught me a lot about myself, developed my skills, and…

  • 3 Month Life Update: I Don’t Get Personal Finance in America

    3 Month Life Update: I Don’t Get Personal Finance in America

    Just when I thought I was getting into the groove of things, I started learning about personal finances and taxes in the U.S. 🤯 Back in November, I reached my goals of paying off all my student loans, attaining a $100K net worth, and buying my first home. As an…

  • First Impressions: Pleasant Surprises & Myths Busted of Seattle Living

    First Impressions: Pleasant Surprises & Myths Busted of Seattle Living

    In my previous post, First Impressions: The 6 Biggest Shockers Of Seattle Living, I shared a more critical perspective on Seattle living. Following up a couple months later, here are some pleasant surprises that I’ve discovered. It doesn’t really rain that much ☔️ Before coming to Seattle, I was expecting…

  • 2 Month Life Update: I Finally Learned How to Use the Dishwasher

    2 Month Life Update: I Finally Learned How to Use the Dishwasher

    Growing up, my parents took care of everything in the household, so my brother and I rarely had to cook or clean. We were really lucky as kids… but it has also made this adulting gig quite challenging! For one thing, I don’t even know how to use a dishwasher.…

  • Starting a New Chapter Together

    Starting a New Chapter Together

    Today is my partner’s first day as a Software Engineer at Microsoft 🎉 He is starting on the Azure IoT Central team and I am immensely proud of him! People have always told me that I made big bets and bold choices. Yet, my partner was the one who took…

  • Making the Move: Massage Therapy, Military, and Microsoft

    Making the Move: Massage Therapy, Military, and Microsoft

    The Making the Move series strives to inspire those who come from unique backgrounds and want to break into the world of tech. Here’s a secret… You don’t need to be a computer science major! Today, I am excited to share the journey of Tonya Derieg, who is currently an…

  • Listen to my podcast episode!

    Listen to my podcast episode!

    Hello, I am excited to share some cool news… I have been featured on a podcast! When it first came out, I was already a fan of the UPWARDS podcast sponsored by the Microsoft Aspire Experience. Imagine my delightful surprise when Jake messaged me on Microsoft Teams asking if I…

  • 1 Month Life Update: I’m Getting In Over My Head!

    1 Month Life Update: I’m Getting In Over My Head!

    For the past few months, the whirlwind of uncertainty revolving around my life and career has somehow evolved into a tornado of angst and gusto! Let’s rewind to the Fall of 2021, when I: Started transitioning into my new role as a Communications Manager with Microsoft HQ. Became a homeowner…