The Power of the Possible: Lessons from Simu Liu’s We Were Dreamers
Written by: Christian Ylagan, EDI Education Coordinator, Wellness & Well-Being
- Next week, Simu Liu is coming home to Western. He will have a candid conversation about his long journey from Harbin (China) to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and his many struggles and learnings in between.
- His homecoming also coincides with World Mental Health Day, October 8th 10am-3pm at the UCC’s Mustang Lounge!
- Simu kicks off a year-long campaign to remind everyone in the Western community of the “Power of the Possible”—that no matter how tough things can be, facing these challenges together can allow us to see the infinite possibilities not just to survive them but to thrive because of them.
Why come to the event? Why go to a viewing party? Why follow the campaign? Let Christian showcase a few key pieces of Simu’s story that are reminders for all of us as we navigate our mental health journey.
Simu's story resonated with me because of how it talks about navigating the intricate landscape of being “in-between”— between cultures, expectations, social roles, and versions of ourselves we're still learning to embrace. His candid reflections on the physical, emotional, and mental health challenges of honouring the sacrifices of his immigrant parents while also seeking to carve out his own path offer profound insights on the complex ways that our many identities shape our lived experiences. While some people may see their struggles in a vacuum or as part of a disorder, Simu’s story reminds us of the important connections between our past and our present, our selves and our communities, and our histories and our futures. His story is beautifully imperfect and never straightforward; and there lies its immense power—it’s our story too.
The Weight of Dreams
In We Were Dreamers, Simu writes about the weight of trying to live up to his parents’ vision of success—the straight A's, the accounting degree, climbing the corporate ladder. I can only imagine how daunting it must have been trying to honour that vision knowing that one’s parents, like many immigrant parents, left behind the familiarity of their lives to begin anew and provide fresh opportunities for you in an unfamiliar country. When Simu got laid off from his accounting job, he saw it as the moment that finally gave him permission to pursue what truly made him come alive, instead of just seeing it as a failure. For many who may have felt trapped between honouring their families' sacrifices and upholding their authentic selves, Simu’s approach reminds us that identity is not fixed, mental health is not linear, and change is possible—even from painful or disempowering starting points. And yet there must have been fear in that too, and loneliness: agonizing about the what ifs, thinking how much of a betrayal it must be to want something else, and wrestling with whether your parents’ pride in you outweighs the grief of giving up a part of yourself. Having these complex feelings are completely normal, and Simu’s story gives us the idea that finding a path forward is possible.
The Power of Vulnerability in Community
One of the most powerful aspects of Simu's story is his willingness to be vulnerable about his own mental health journey, and how that’s tied to his own cultural values around family relationships and what it means to be an Asian man. For people who hold multiple marginalized identities, navigating the power structures, cultural expectations, and the constant code-switching required to survive in different spaces can be really exhausting. Simu’s openness in telling his story is revolutionary because it provides space for others to examine their own stories without shame, to seek help when needed, and to understand that asking for support is an act of courage and self-compassion. Simu’s story bridges the gap between his immigrant Chinese family’s understanding of success and his own evolving sense of identity. Just like Simu, we all carry stories that shape us—and we also have the power to keep writing them.
Strong Enough to Start
Many of us might have often felt like we need to have everything figured out before taking any kind of meaningful action, especially when we are struggling with our wellness and well-being. What I found comforting about Simu's journey is that he reminds us that we don't need perfect conditions to begin; instead, we need only to remember that we are strong enough—to reach out, to share our stories, to ask for help when we need it. Being strong isn't about having it all together but about showing up authentically even when things feel uncertain. In leaning into the support of his friends, mentors, and family, Simu shows us that strength is about being strong enough to ask, support, listen, show up, and grow together as a community. This can seem challenging for many of us from immigrant families, where the idea of seeking support, especially when it comes to mental health, can feel like admitting defeat or betraying cultural values that emphasize resilience and self-reliance. What Simu shows us is that vulnerability is a form of strength—one that is rooted in creating connections rather than isolation.
Writing Our Own Scripts
Simu's transformation from a struggling accountant to Hollywood royalty is more than just about professional success; it's about the ongoing process of self-definition and healing that comes from recognizing that our lowest moments don't have to be our final chapters. In difficult times, we can all engage in our own barrier-breaking by talking openly about our struggles, by seeking support from both campus resources and our broader communities, and by refusing to let shame or stigma prevent us from accessing the care we need.
When we share our stories—whether in therapy, with friends, in support groups, or through creative expression—we create ripple effects that extend far beyond our individual healing. Simu's willingness to be open about his struggles, for example with his parents, eventually led to healing in their relationship. As a Western community, we have the power to create similar ripple effects: when we model vulnerability, when we speak openly about mental health, when we show up authentically with all our complex identities, we contribute to a culture where seeking help is normalized and where everyone can find those moments of possibility that can allow all of us to thrive.
Moving Forward Together
The "Power of the Possible" campaign isn't just about individual transformation—it's about supporting each other through collective healing and community building. Throughout this campaign, I encourage you to learn about the important work that campus partners do to support you, and to think about your own commitments in taking care of your and others’ well-being. These can include:
- advocating for culturally responsive care services;
- supporting peer networks that center marginalized experiences;
- creating spaces where difficult conversations about identity, belonging, and wellness can happen safely;
- setting a regular check-in time with your friends to see how they’re doing and how you can support each other;
- engaging in supportive discussions on how to address mental health and well-being challenges specific to your networks;
- pursuing hobbies and activities that make you feel rested and rejuvenated;
- taking intentional social media breaks and spending time with loved ones or in nature;
- finding pockets of time in your day for some quiet thought and reflection.
As you continue to navigate the complexities of university life, remember that your stories, like Simu's, are still being written. Things may feel impossible until... they don’t: until we find the courage to reach out, until we discover communities that embrace all of who we are, and until we learn that our complex identities are not obstacles to overcome but sources of strength to draw from. These show that our wellbeing is interconnected and together as a Western community, we can create a campus where every student has the support they need to flourish.
If you or anyone you know are struggling, please remember that many campus partners are available to help. These include, but are not limited to:
