Homeless in 1st year at university

I was homeless for a brief period in my 1st year at the University of Toronto.

In late September 1995 the bank foreclosed on my parents’ house. Although repossession notices were constantly swirling around at that time, we had hitherto always managed to avoid being evicted. However, when I returned home from classes that fateful autumn day (I was a “commuter”), I encountered difficulty while trying to open the door with my key. And then I noticed the shiny new lock and a message taped on the door.

For the next two weeks I survived on whatever was in my knapsack and the clothes I was wearing that day. It was a struggle to keep up with my studies; more significantly, the euphoria that I had over my new life at university vanished.

I had approached school officials and told them of my situation. They recommended that I seek additional OSAP funds (government-supported student loans). As I was working at a restaurant at the time – and truthfully declared my income in the application – I was denied supplemental support.

Although my family eventually regained possession of the house, I decided not to move back in with them. Instead, I rented a small bachelor apartment (studio) near the university and took on a second job – stocking shelves at a supermarket during the “graveyard” shift. I worked weekends at the restaurant and 2-3 shifts on weekdays at the supermarket. I got little sleep that year.

I eventually found my way at the university. In my 2nd year, I met a Harvard-trained professor from my old neighbourhood who would inspire me on a path towards Princeton.