These are the words of Rupi Kaur, taken from her emotive poem “Broken English.” Standing before a captive audience at WE Day Toronto, the artist—whose talents encompass everything from illustration to photography—and New York Times bestselling author recited the lyrical ode to her parents. Spotlight shining down on her, she shared with the crowd of young change-makers this eye-opening glimpse into the arduous journey her mother and father embarked once they “landed in the new world”—Kaur’s home: Canada.

On stage, the poet has a stilling effect. As she speaks, she widens the minds of her listeners and invites them to look within to find the deeper meaning behind her words, fulfilling her goal to “connect and share” with a wider audience.

As for why she chose “Broken English” for her WE Day spot, her reasoning speaks to a belief in the impactful social change every student filling the Scotiabank Arena that day—all having earned their ticket to the show through volunteer hours—has the power to affect. “Celebrating our differences helps make the world a better place,” she explains. By reinforcing this message, Kaur hopes, she will encourage acceptance and inclusivity.

While a guiding voice of her generation, the poet sees herself more as a student than a teacher, seeking lessons and answers found through the process of creating her art. Evidently someone who is always learning, her admiration for teachers comes as no surprise, “They are raising the next generation.” Her own success is one she credits to a Grade 3 teacher, who helped fostered her love of writing.

From backstage at WE Day Toronto, Rupi Kaur shares her inspiration as an artist and the integral role she sees teachers playing when it comes to nurturing the minds of young people, just as they once nurtured her own.

Missed WE Day Toronto 2019? Watch Rupi Kaur’s inspiring performance here and relive the full show.