Devin Doherty is a University of Alberta Education alumni whose journey has taken him from teaching abroad in Japan to returning home and teaching music in Calgary. Along the way, he’s experienced cultural immersion, spiritual transformation, and the beginning of a new chapter in life through marriage. His story is one of openness to growth, curiosity about the world, and a willingness to embrace the lessons each season of life brings.

Living and teaching in Japan gave Devin a chance to encounter a culture that thrives on respect, order, and subtlety. From adapting to the intricate public transit systems to witnessing the reserved but deeply polite nature of everyday interactions, his time abroad shifted the way he viewed community and education. Japan not only influenced his teaching philosophy—revealing gaps in how Canada approaches the classroom—but also left him with practices and traditions that continue to shape his daily life today.

That experience also opened the door to a deeper sense of spirituality. What Devin once dismissed as something unnecessary, he later came to see as the foundation of a meaningful life. Inspired by the way the Japanese show reverence for their land and the smallest of daily rituals, he embraced a renewed faith in God and began weaving spiritual practices into his routine—whether through prayer, sermons, or simply reminding himself that life is lived for something greater than the self.

Most recently, Devin has entered into marriage, a step that has further grounded his perspective on commitment and love. In a world caught up in temporary connections, he believes that choosing lifelong partnership is one of the healthiest and most fulfilling decisions people can make. Marriage, for him, is about listening, valuing one another, and finding ways to make it work even when challenges arise. His advice to others is simple yet powerful: take the step, trust in it, and don’t let fear or outside voices hold you back.

In all of these experiences—teaching abroad, rediscovering faith, and embracing marriage—Devin embodies the idea that growth comes from stepping into the unfamiliar and letting it change you. His story reminds us that the lessons of culture, spirit, and love are all connected, guiding us toward a life that is both purposeful and deeply human.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!