My life has been a total blessing. I arrived here on September 24, 2006 with high hopes that my life will be a lot better. My first few months, was all excitement for I came across a lot of people, different tradition and beliefs. It is so amazing how people have its commonality and that is respect of each own culture. Being here in Canada expanded the horizons of my dreams. I know it will not be easy but I am willing to take the road ahead and find my life as I dreamed of it.
It has been tough for me though to achieve my goals. I worked under the Live-in Caregiver Program for 3 years. My journey was not easy, very exhausting. When I obtained my open work permit and eventually my Permanent Residency I juggled my time for 3 jobs and school. I work for Tim Hortons, The Great Canadian Bagel, Chicken Joy and at the same time attended school. I often, missed my stop because I slept in the bus. All these struggles, motivated me to go ahead and be more patient for I see my dreams down the road.
It was in September 2009 when I saw the advertisement about the ELT (Enhanced Language Training) Program of Durham Continuing Education in the newspaper. I inquired and learned that the program will help you learned more on the culture adjustment and language technique designed for landed immigrants who are internationally trained professional in their respective countries. In addition to that, the program will help you find a placement job that will help you gain Canadian experience in whatever field you are in.
Currently, I am working as a clinical research study coordinator at Urotec at Taunton Health Center in Oshawa. I was fortunate to be offered this opportunity while I was doing my placement job at the Laboratory Department at Taunton Health Center, referred by Durham Continuing Education through the help of the ELT Program Coordinator who is willing to work hard together with the rest of the staff to help internationally trained professional like me polish my skills through continuing education programs.
Canada has a lot to offer, it is upon us new immigrants to discover what is available for us, grab it and make the most of it. That’s what I did… I am still in the process of achieving my dream as a licensed medical laboratory technologist here in Canada, I am still in school…I am so close to see the dawn…
To all my fellow immigrants, dream on…. And you will see!