Published Articles

As told to: Maria Calleja

It’s been my dream to live by the ocean ever since I got my first taste of it as a teenager. I grew up in Toronto, and in 1985, when I was 16, my family vacationed in Hawaii. We went to a little resort where I got my first surf lesson, and I immediately knew I wanted to surf, to be near water, to live that life. In 2010, at 41, I made the dream real. 

As told to: Maria Calleja

I worked at a prosperous medical clinic in Iran. When the protests began, the regime came for me. This is how I escaped.

A series of articles analyzing Canadian public opinon, and my own, on refugee arrivals, Trump, body image and social power games .  

Articles on the legacy of Toronto Icon Pam McConnell, new green initiatives with Avi Lewis, and a Toronto Burning man affiliate event. 

A series of articles on student budgeting, housing, relationships, and mental health. Also I covered professor research topics, on campus cultural events and I wrote up professor profiles. 

Check out my Blog section for these past articles.

Check out my Instagram account @mariacallejawriter for post stories on Wellness, Travel and Community topics. 

As told to : Maria Calleja

Freeman Dre, a long-time Toronto musician, performed solo and with his folk band at venues across the city. After he collapsed in his apartment one afternoon, his community rallied to help him get back on his feet.