Hannah Bellai wasn't new to university life. She attended the University of Toronto (U of T), graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies, while also playing on the U of T women's volleyball team during their 2019-20 OUA championship season, an experience many student-athletes look forward to.

However, Bellai wasn't done yet.

Looking for a fresh start, Bellai found herself waking up in her new apartment, which she feels lucky to have to herself, and beginning the Journalism program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She also became a part of the TMU women's volleyball team, allowing her to reprise a role that she had at U of T.

Months into her new normal, Bellai felt constant excitement for the days ahead, knowing she'd see the friends she'd made in Journalism. Usually, with a matcha latte in hand, she'd make her way to classes, anticipation building for volleyball practice where she would get to see another community that she has built — one that was full of love and respect — and where she could play in an environment that felt safe and free.

Now, almost two years into her journey, everything seems to have fallen into place, and, in Bellai's words, "life is good."

"I've deeply enjoyed my time here at TMU," said Bellai. "Showing up to practice and getting to hang out with my really wonderful teammates, people, coaches and trainers and the weekly grind together has been so fulfilling, a great learning process and huge for my growth as a person and volleyball player."

Since coming to TMU, many parts of Bellai's volleyball game have improved. From increased physical output, including improved hitting accuracy, to an increase in athleticism — being able to jump higher, hit harder and recover quickly — these are all areas she has developed. However, it was a mental aspect of her game that saw the biggest boost.

"My confidence has improved so much in my game to a point where I really believe in myself and my game," said Bellai. "I enter a flow state quicker than I have previously."

A common theme for student athletes is balancing school and sport. Bellai explained how all student-athletes talk about time management, but actually living through it is intense. Keeping up with school work, maintaining her social life, and meeting the demands of volleyball requires Bellai to manage her time.

Bellai says that staying busy is better. 

"In my experience, when you are so busy and you have so much to do, I find that work just gets done because it has to get done," said Bellai. "I find it's actually better to be busy."

Community was a word that Bellai often brought up. The journalism program at TMU is a tight-knit community, and Bellai loves it. Previously in Environmental Sciences at U of T, she saw different people all the time, as it was a much larger program. However, her experience at TMU has been very different.

"You see everyone all the time, and it's really lovely to be friendly with everyone and say hello," said Bellai. "We are all doing the same work, so it's great to rely on each other, and I've made really wonderful friends in the journalism community."

Shifting to her sport community, Bellai is grateful to have a stable group. Being a part of the women's team gave her a set group of friends right off the bat, and as an older athlete on the team, she sees it as an opportunity to take on more of a role than to just be a team player. She has embraced her leadership responsibilities that come with her long tenure in volleyball. 

Bellai wants to model accountability. She was on a successful university team previously, has a wealth of experience in beach and league volleyball and wants to bring that experience, discipline and high expectations she holds herself to the team.

Bellai's leadership role has evolved as she has become a part of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) as the community engagement lead.

With that, Bellai has taken the lead in planning the MotionballU event. This event is organized by SAAC and allows student-athletes across TMU teams to create meaningful ways to support the Special Olympics. Motionball is a non-for-profit organization that empowers young Canadians to be a part of leading their communities, while raising funds and awareness for the Special Olympics through sporting and social events.

TMU athletes will have the opportunity to play sports with those with intellectual disabilities who participate in the Special Olympics from across the GTA.

"It's a really fun day to play and connect with our community in Toronto," said Bellai, continuing to explain why it's important for student athletes at TMU to take part in community initiatives. "It's important for student-athletes to engage with the community because it teaches the importance of giving back. Being a part of this school, especially as an athlete, you are given so many opportunities and resources and giving back to your community while also representing your school and what it means to be a student-athlete is important."

Bellai is counting down the days until the event, knowing that the most rewarding part of this experience will be the day it takes place. Getting to see everyone show up and witness the fruition of labour from everyone involved is something Bellai is looking forward to.

"The most rewarding part is going to be the day of the event and seeing everyone have fun because at the end of the day, the motionball event is fun." said Bellai with a smile. 

And maybe that's what defines this chapter of Bellai's journey the most. It's not just about balancing school and sport, or the leadership roles she's taken on, but the joy she's found in it all. For someone who was never new to university life or the varsity volleyball experience, Bellai's journey at TMU proves that sometimes the most meaningful experiences don't necessarily come from starting over, but from finding the right place to continue.