Roy Ratnavel’s incredible journey began at age 17, when he was seized by government soldiers and interned in a notorious prison camp for no reason other than being born a Tamil. He saw friends die, and was tortured for a few months—until an unlikely encounter allowed him to send a message beyond the prison walls, which led to his release. Ratnavel’s father sought refuge for his son in Canada. It wasn’t long before he was on a plane. His father was shot and killed three days later. To repay the debt he owed to his hero of a father, Ratnavel was determined to find the bright future that had been envisioned for him. He went to night school, worked three jobs at a time, and lived in a tiny space with seven housemates. Ratnavel made the most of the opportunities set in his path, and by his new homeland, a country shaped by openness, tolerance, and a commitment to merit.