CANADA CHANGED MY LIFE...
Since I first arrived on Canadian soil in December 2011, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, friendship, and appreciation of the people around me. Canadians have welcomed me with open arms, whether it be giving directions over the phone, guiding me through the streets, sharing their knowledge and values, or simply appreciating my culture and cuisine. Their support has been instrumental in helping me settle down and build a strong foundation here. Canada has truly changed my life!
I remember when I first arrived and struggled with simple tasks like turning on the lights, as the switches are upside down from the South Asian perspective. But Canadians were always there to help, and I was amazed to see how thoughtful, respectful, and equitable their systems are. For example, the first few seats on the bus are reserved for seniors, expectant mothers, and individuals with disabilities. These values are instilled in Canadians from a young age, and they have truly taught me the importance of creating a caring and inclusive community. Canada has changed my life for the better!
In South Asia, power outages were a common occurrence, but I was amazed to see that this was not the case in Canada. Unless there was a power failure due to a storm or to celebrate Earth Day, there was no interruption in the electricity supply. This may seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in our daily lives. We can function peacefully throughout the day without worrying about charging our devices or living in the darkness. Canada has truly taught me the value of having reliable infrastructure.
One of the things I love about Canada is the spirit of giving back to the community. When I asked people how I could repay their kindness, they said: “When newcomers come to Canada, you help them. This is how our society will continue to grow.” I have followed this tradition of giving back to the community and continue to spread knowledge, help people, and grow myself and my family. Canada affirms the value of practicing abundance and allows us to pursue our goals while contributing to society. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities that Canada has given me, and I will always cherish the memories of my time here.
