Jessica Padiyachi
Jessica Padiyachi
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8.29.22
“My name is Jessica S. Padiyachi (She/Her) and I am a social justice activist, and a passionate soccer player. In light, I am a proud Fijian-Canadian woman who is indebted to my Ancestors and Elders for continuing their journey with me, particularly on the land I reside as a Fijian Indigene whose parents sought refuge in the Indigenous peoples land, Turtle Island (Canada). I attended Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada where I attained my Community and Justice Services Diploma along with my Bachelors of Social Science, majoring in Criminal Justice. Currently, I am a second year candidate studying her Master of Education in Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto. My academic goal is to pursue my PhD in social justice education and be able to become a critical scholar who cognizes to bring social justice towards systemic barriers in education and healthcare.
I live with my loving parents and my younger brother, Rahul (17) who is an amazing soccer player. My passion for soccer came from my father who was my coach growing up and used the sport to teach me life-long skills such as leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and discipline. My mother is a breast cancer survivor who has taught me strength, courage, and bravery. Her journey allows me to push through and work towards my goals and ambitions.”
Fav Dish: Lovo!
“In a country like Canada, Polynesians are unique yet they are still a community that doesn’t receive enough support. My journey to applying for graduate school was tough because of my identity crisis and I am sure a lot of young Fijian girls and boys struggle with this confusion. If I implied my academic statements to showcase myself as a westernized student, I am putting my Polynesian identity to the side and not acknowledging it. This is a HUGE IDENTITY CRISIS! I did not want institutions to accept my applications because of my upbringing from a westernized society, I wanted them to accept me, that I am an Indo-Fijian woman and all of my complex identities are what creates my individuality. I want this to be acknowledged to Polynesians all over the world. If you reside in a first-class country, you proudly wear your Polynesian sleeve. The injustice of it all is working hard to be recognized however the downfall of it would be to not be prideful of your Polynesian Descent.”
“Being Polynesian has shaped me in a way where I am able to bring and provide uniqueness to society and speak on behalf of Polynesian communities to benefit our imagery and societal viewpoints.
As a Social Justice Activist and worker, I would love to connect with all Polynesians around the globe using my social media platforms to reconnect with our identity and highlight our distinctiveness.”
“I would love to connect with all Polynesians around the globe using my social media platforms to reconnect with our identity and highlight our distinctiveness."
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