On January 24, 2026, I attended the JOISS United Nations Day of Education Gala at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on behalf of Mars’ Hill. The event, organized by the Journal of International Student Studies (JOISS), brought together students, educators, leaders and alumni, many with ties to Trinity Western University. Its purpose was to recognize the role of education and the impact young people can have in building lasting peace.  

Upon entering the gala, there was a strong sense of community and leadership that went beyond celebrating achievements. The evening began with an opening prayer led by Associate Chaplain Christopher Ogundare from the TWU Richmond campus. He thanked everyone for coming together and reminded attendees that the work done in education is more than simply academic—it is also about service, faith and making a difference.  

Abisola Oshinusi, chair of the board of directors, continued the program with a review of the year. She spoke confidently and brought energy to the room, mixing humour with reflection on the challenges and successes of the past year. Oshinusi asked everyone to consider how education had opened doors in their lives and how it could do the same for others. 

She further talked about the importance of making education accessible and how JOISS aims to help students share their research with a wider audience. She said that

“peace is not built by shutting down youth spaces; it is built by meeting young people where they are and raising the level of engagement.”

For example, she noted that TikTok did not build short attention spans; rather, it exposed flaws in the classroom. As Oshinusi concluded, it became clear that we all must support youth and continue to find ways to help students grow.  

The International Student Commendation Award was given to Zahra Esfandiar, a student from the TWU Richmond campus, in recognition for her quick thinking and compassion. Earlier in the year, she helped save a staff member’s life by performing CPR. After dinner, Esfandiar spoke with me about her experiences as a midwife in Iran and how those skills allowed her to assist without hesitation. She was honoured to receive the award and was joined by her husband and son. Her story was a powerful reminder of how international students bring diverse strengths to our community.   

Several other awards were presented throughout the evening. Eme Winifred Familoni received the first scholarship of the night, and Fellowship Awards were given to Chuen Wai Peggy Lo, Hoi Ching Charlotte Wong and Vincent Ng. Each recipient contributed in different ways, whether through research, leadership or supporting others, creating a strong sense of encouragement throughout the room.  

After a musical performance, the Thematic Author Award was presented to Professor Kennedy Barasa Wanyonyi, who has taught in the leadership program at TWU. Professor Barasa’s words especially stood out in relation to the event's theme. He encouraged attendees to see education as more than just learning—it is about raising world creators and leaders with purpose. 

He said,

“Peace starts in the heart. It starts in the classroom. Lead with purpose and service.”

This message was simple, yet extremely powerful. After all, the responsibility for peace does not rest on seasoned leaders alone. It is the youth, the students, and those just starting out who will build the future. However, he stressed that it is up to all of us to guide them and ensure they have a chance to succeed.  

During dinner, I spoke with Dr. Hyne-Ju Huizenga, the founder of JOISS and a TWU alumna. I had the privilege of discussing the remarkable educational work she has been involved in, but she was quick to turn the spotlight onto the staff at JOISS. Dr. Huizenga’s humility was genuine, as she truly wanted the focus to remain on the team rather than herself. This moment further reinforced the theme of thankfulness and unity amongst the gala. 

As I observed the room, I saw more than just a gathering of accomplished people. While the JOISS Gala was filled with leaders, scholars and professionals, what truly stood out was their willingness to empower others. One quote that stayed with me came from Busola Shokunbi, creative director and entrepreneur, who said,

“Failure did not come as a second thought, it never crossed my mind.”

She spoke to the determination that filled the room and reminded us that success is not about never failing, but about refusing to give up.  

Education alone is not always enough: making what we do with our education matters. The impact of education is determined by leaders who serve others, and the JOISS Gala was a celebration of people who are doing just that. In a room full of leaders, I saw a community that believes in the next generation and in the power of education to ignite lasting change.