Love Your City: Toronto, by Avery Guerin

"I was lucky enough to move to this city at the naive age of 10 after moving here from a small town. Even then I had this crazy idea that anything would be possible: all of my hopes, dreams and wildest desires could be pursued and accomplished when I got to Toronto. Fast forward almost 16 years and it's still a work in progress, but I can’t complain. I wake up every morning feeling healthy and energized, next to the girl I love and going to a job that provides me with all the opportunities to exercise my passions. Obviously it wasn’t a smooth ride to get here, and it still isn’t, but the fact that it’s happening in this city makes everything that much more special. 

The most special thing though has been that the place I grew up in shaped so much of who I am, in ways I didn’t know would be important. The multiculturalism, diversity and overall embrace this city provides are the values I hold closest to me, and have made me a better person. It’s weird to think that such an eclectic mix of ingredients feels so harmonious, and normal. This ecosystem of food, music, design, art and just the overall culture all tie in to this concept of cohesion. It’s cool that you can hit up a Jewish deli, Japanese grocery store and a vegan Caribbean spot all in the same day, in the same neighbourhood. That’s what Toronto is to me: random synergy. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of messed up shit happening in the world right now, and in our own backyard, but the beauty of the city is still alive. It always has been. Just talk to 10 year old me, he’ll set you straight."