Some journeys are straight roads, predictable and smooth. Mine, however, has been a storm-tossed sea—marked by adventure, adaptation, and an unrelenting pursuit of purpose. From the lively streets of Tehran to the historic charm of Naples and now to the rugged, wind-whipped shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, my life has been a mosaic of cultures, experiences, and aspirations. My name is Erfan Roueintan, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Engineering and Management at Memorial University of Newfoundland. My story is one of curiosity, perseverance, and an unshakable commitment to making a difference.
Chasing Dreams Across Continents
I have always been drawn to places that challenge me. My journey began in Iran, where the hum of a city constantly moving forward mirrored my own restless ambition. But I wanted more—more knowledge, more perspectives, more experiences beyond what was familiar. So, I packed my life into a suitcase and moved to Naples, Italy, a city of contradictions—chaotic yet poetic, ancient yet alive with modern energy. There, I studied at the University of Naples Federico II, where every lecture and every conversation pushed me to see the world differently.
Naples shaped me, but it also left me searching for something deeper. I had witnessed firsthand how environmental neglect could shape a city’s fate, how policies and choices affected the air we breathed and the water we drank. I knew I needed to do more than just learn—I needed to act.
Newfoundland: A New Chapter, A New Challenge
That realization led me to Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador—a place unlike anywhere I had ever lived. When I stepped off the plane, the wind nearly knocked me over. It was a kind of cold I had never known, one that seeped into my bones and made me question my own resilience. The city, with its colorful row houses and wild, untamed coastline, felt like a frontier—both thrilling and intimidating.
I won’t romanticize it. The first few months were hard. The dark winter mornings, the unfamiliar customs, the feeling of being an outsider—it was a battle I fought every day. But slowly, Newfoundland revealed its warmth. In the kindness of strangers, in the friendships I built, in the quiet moments walking by the Atlantic, I found a place that felt like it could be home.
Turning Passion into Action
My time at Memorial has been about more than just academics. It has been about stepping into roles that challenge me, about using my voice and my skills to create something meaningful. As a board member of ClimaFacts, I have worked to make climate science more accessible, breaking down complex environmental research so that everyday people can engage with it. As a Community Connections Assistant at the Association for New Canadians (ANC), I have helped newcomers—people who, like me, arrived in this province with uncertainty in their hearts but hope in their eyes—navigate their new reality.
But beyond structured roles, I have sought out moments of impact in unexpected places. Conversations over coffee that turned into brainstorming sessions, late-night ideas scribbled on scraps of paper that became real projects. I believe change starts in these small moments, in daring to believe that one person can make a difference.
Pushing Boundaries and Breaking Barriers
One of my most rewarding experiences was participating in the Social Impact A-thon for Ready4ClimateAction. It was more than a competition—it was a proving ground, a place where ideas turned into action. Winning second place and securing seed funding wasn’t just a victory; it was a validation that my work had value, that the change I dreamed of was within reach.
But not every day has been a victory. There have been moments of doubt, days when I questioned if I was doing enough, if I was on the right path. The weight of being in a new country, of constantly pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, has been heavy. But with every challenge, I have learned to stand taller, to embrace uncertainty as an invitation rather than a threat.
Looking Ahead: A Future Fueled by Purpose
As I move forward, I carry with me a vision—a world where environmental action is not just a conversation but a movement, where communities take ownership of their futures, where innovation is driven by purpose, not just profit. Whether through research, policy advocacy, or entrepreneurship, I am determined to be part of that change.
Memorial University has given me more than just an education; it has given me a stage to experiment, to fail, to grow, and to dream without limits. The road ahead is still uncertain, but if there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that uncertainty is just another word for possibility.
And I am ready.