International student honoured with a TMU Gold Medal, 2026
Moving alone from South Africa to Canada at age 18 was one of the biggest, most life-changing decisions that international student Kayla Longland had ever made. Nelson Mandela’s words resonated: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Longland scrawled the quote everywhere — a reminder to keep going during harder moments and to never forget all the sacrifices her family had made.
Four years later, Longland crossed the 2026 TMU convocation stage. With a near-perfect cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), she received her Bachelor of Applied Science in public health and three distinguished awards: a TMU Gold Medal, a TMU Board of Governors Leadership Award and Medal, and the Governor General of Canada’s Academic Silver Medal.
On top of academic achievement, her leadership transformed student life and created a ‘home-away-from-home’ community for international students like herself.
She led numerous new initiatives, including the Faculty of Community Services’ International Student Association and an inaugural TMU International Student Gala which united students from 41 countries. She was also a student mentor, Recruitment Ambassador, International Peer Ambassador, and member of TMU’s Student Wellbeing Advisory Group.
Longland recently moved to the nation’s capital to begin working as a Public Health Inspector Trainee at Ottawa Public Health.
“Convocation was one of the best, most emotional, most meaningful days of my life. On stage, I remembered the 18-year-old me who moved to Canada alone, facing the unknown, with hope, determination, and faith that one day, it would all be worth it.”
What motivated you to excel at TMU?
Receiving a Canadian education is a privilege. Gratitude helped me never take that for granted. My parents placed so much trust in me in supporting my decision to study abroad, and I carried that with me every day. I felt a deep responsibility to make the most of it. Their sacrifices, faith, and support truly meant something.
How did you integrate and eventually lead within the TMU community?
TMU truly felt like home over the past four years. So many places on campus hold special meaning for me. Some of my most meaningful memories came from events I helped plan — like the annual faculty cultural festival, international student gala, field trips I hosted for international students. Through these, I had the chance to help create community, bring people together, and make others feel welcomed and included.
”When I look back, my best memories are not just about achievements, but about the people, the sense of belonging, and the feeling that TMU became a place where I truly grew into myself.”
What advice can you share — especially for international students?
Approach your university experience with gratitude and openness. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. TMU challenged me academically, helped me grow professionally, and gave me so many opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone. Opportunities, friendships and lessons come from simply saying yes, showing up and being willing to learn.
Try new things, immerse yourself, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Some of the most meaningful personal growth happens outside the classroom. Getting involved on campus taught me so much beyond academics — communication and interpersonal skills, leadership, time management, adaptability, balance — all lessons that I’ll carry with me throughout life.
"I learned pretty quickly that motivation comes and goes. So, I had to build discipline and strong habits early on. That made all the difference.”
What are your future goals?
I just started a new job as a Public Health Inspector Trainee at Ottawa Public Health. My next immediate goal is to become a Certified Public Health Inspector.
I also want to pursue a Master of Public Health. TMU showed me how powerful community, education and leadership are in creating change. I want to carry that forward on a larger scale by building a career where I can make a meaningful impact through public health practice, research, and prevention.