An honour and a thrill: I received the 2026 Prix Solange-Chalvin award

My learning and integration journey was not easy.

In 2023, when I stepped into my first French class, I had no idea it would become so much more than a lesson. It became my lifeline — teaching me how to greet people, start a conversation, ask questions and answer them.

In autumn 2025, when my son was just two months old, I enrolled in the French for Professional Communication program at McGill University. I had not finished my postpartum recovery, but I had to learn French while caring for a newborn. The commute to every class, the daily muscle soreness, the daily work of building and maintaining the site, and the frequent severe sleep deprivation — yet I still had to go to school and complete every exam, and I never missed a single class. That demanded relentless discipline.

Using my background in web development, I created VieauQc, a free website for newcomers and for people living in Québec. It explains administrative steps, Québec culture and French-learning resources in clear language. It began as my personal learning assistant, because I was eager to understand leases, doctor's appointments, and everything one needs to know to live here, and to actively weave myself into the community.

October 22, 2026 — I became one of three finalists for the Prix Solange-Chalvin.

November 6, 2026 — At the award ceremony in Montréal, I received the trophy and the certificate from Québec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration as the winner. The award recognises adults learning French in Québec who contribute to their community or society. It is a great honour, and I am still a little thrilled.

VieauQc is currently founded and maintained entirely by me. I did not start with a "startup" plan and then look for a problem; rather, life put the problem in front of me first.

This award is a great encouragement to me, and I will keep working hard.

I will also continue to make VieauQc useful.