in this piece, i think about how my sense of self has shifted since starting university and moving to ottawa. growing up, i spent a lot of time to myself or with family but now i am away from any family members i am close to. but rather than just accepting a lonely life like i had before ottawa, i have created close relationships with other people around me in this city. now, i gather with my friends for special occasions or just for fun. these gatherings allow me to grow as a person and to understand what matters most to me. for this audio piece, i hosted a dinner party with my roommates and friends and in it, you will hear clips of our loud kitchen, our laughter and a toast to dinner parties.