“It was a proud moment for my parents, too. They always knew I loved reading, I loved trying out new hobbies and writing was on my bucket list.”
Shivon Francis
When you’re in college or university, life tends to get hectic — sometimes even more hectic than working a full-time job.
I can share this firsthand as an example. I’m a full-time student here at Humber Polytechnic, but I also juggle three jobs on top of my studies. That makes me not only a full-time student but a full-time employee as well.
I’ll be honest, I do love being busy. I can’t sit on the couch and watch life pass by. Even when I go on vacation, I find myself looking forward to getting back into my routine. Some may find this weird, but many students can probably relate.
The challenge is that when life gets this busy, hobbies are often the first thing to go. Hobbies are an important part of our lives, no matter what they are. They allow us to refresh our minds, reconnect with ourselves beyond school and work and bring that stress level back to zero.
For Humber student Shivon Francis, holding onto a lifelong hobby was essential. What once was just a creative outlet eventually became her biggest personal goal of 2025, and one she successfully turned into reality.
Turning opportunity into direction
Shivon first came to Humber in 2019 for a diploma in business management. She believed she had her career path mapped out, with an interest in business and marketing being the focus.
After three months as a marketing intern, the company she was with offered her another opportunity, this time as an accounting intern. Since she was studying business management, Shivon saw it as a chance to gain real-world experience in a new area and decided to take it.
The decision completely changed the direction of her career. The internship led to a full-time role in accounting and finance, where Shivon found herself stepping up in a major way when the finance manager left the organization.
“One minute I was a student and then I was a full-time employee. It was hectic, but I got to learn so much,” Francis said.
“You have plans for yourself, but destiny, or God, plans something totally different. I wanted to be in marketing, but I ended up in accounting and finance.”
After several years working with accounts payable and accounts receivable, Shivon decided it was time to return to school to further specialize her education. In 2024, she transferred credits and returned to Humber to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance.
A hobby that became a book
As a finance major, I assumed Shivon’s life revolved around numbers. While that’s partially true, her creative side has always been just as important.
She said that reading and writing have been her passions since childhood. In grade five, Shivon read a chapter from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and fell in love with storytelling.
Over the years, she worked on short stories, wrote school plays and started working on a novel. For nearly a decade, she wrote on and off, pausing as her ideas evolved.
“There were so many times that I would start writing, but then my ideas would change,” Francis said. “Last year, I really thought that I should put all [ideas] in a book.”
Shivon said having a hobby is essential for students, especially when balancing school, work and personal responsibilities at the same time.
In 2025, she made the decision to fully commit to finishing her book. She spent months writing the missing chapters and constantly relied on friends for feedback.
“I would send them the chapters and ask, ‘Is it good enough? Can you proofread it for me,’” Francis said. “That’s how I started writing again.”
By the end of the summer, the book was complete. Shivon officially self-published her novel, When Love Isn’t Enough, on Dec. 21, 2025.
The book is a “feel-good” story inspired by romantic comedies from the late 1990s and early 2000s. It follows Viola, a woman approaching 30 years old who chooses to reclaim her independence, focus on her education and career and redefine what fulfillment looks like.
Shivon said the novel is about understanding that you should appreciate other aspects of life, not just relationships and partners. You should appreciate your friends, family and career.
“You should prioritize yourself before getting sad over the fact that you’re aging or you’re at an age where you need to have all the stereotypical things, because things work out differently for everyone,” Francis said.
Publishing the book was a proud milestone not only for her but also for her family.
“It was a proud moment for my parents, too,” Francis said. “They always knew I loved reading, I loved trying out new hobbies and writing was on my bucket list.”
The next chapter
Now in the final semester of her program, Shivon continues to balance her studies with work. After graduation, she wants to start a masters of business administration, followed by a PhD.
“I think education and focusing on your career are very important,” Francis said. And her message to fellow students is the same: focus on your education and don’t be afraid to connect with others along the way.
“Socialize as much as you can. Even if you’re sitting next to a stranger in class, just say hi to them. That’s how you make friends.”
Just like Shivon’s story shows, hobbies help students stay strong while juggling school and work. But what about you? Do you have a hobby or passion that helps you release stress during the school year?
Whether it’s writing, playing sports or visiting the IGNITE Zen Zone, let us know on our socials @shareignite!
Feature image courtesy of Shivon Francis.
Looking for other student profiles? Check out Cole Hunter and his search for world gold!
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