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WRITING SAMPLES

Embracing the Unknown: Martha’s Fearless Exploration

When asked what her first words would be to an immigrant woman arriving in Canada for the first time, Martha jokingly answered, “Welcome to Canada! Do you know how to speak English?” However, beneath the humor lies one of Martha’s most significant challenges since arriving in the country: the language barrier.

 

Eager to start a new life but aware of the obstacles ahead, Martha arrived in Canada four years ago with her daughter, leaving behind her home, sister, and mother in Colombia. When she first arrived, she couldn’t understand a word of English. Although she is taking classes to improve her language skills, she admits that she still has a long way to go. Despite this, Martha has found ways to communicate. 

 

Resourcefulness might as well be her middle name, as she uses her cellphone as a translator when speaking with people or asks friends to translate her medical appointments over the phone in real-time, when possible. Despite the language barrier, Martha has managed to thrive in her new home.

 

Martha is not defined by her relationship with English; instead, she is defined by her adventurous nature and passion for the environment. To her, Canada represents “the land of the unimaginable”, a place full of endless possibilities, filled with new experiences, cultures, landscapes, different weather, and more.

 

That’s why she took on the challenge of mastering Hamilton’s public transportation system without the help of Google Maps – relying instead on her fearless nature, sharp sense of direction, and trusty notebook to guide her. 

 

As a result, she has become an expert on all the city’s bus routes. It could be said that she can take you on a tour of all Hamilton bus routes with her eyes closed. 

  

Martha’s advice to newcomers is to embrace the opportunity to explore the city without fear of getting lost, as she says, “you are not lost, just delayed, have patience because the bus system will always bring you back to a central location such as MacNab Station, where you can start again.”

 

As part of her journey as a newcomer to Canada, and as an answer to her passion for the environment, Martha has started an initiative with her daughter to pick up litter in local parks. They hope to turn this project into a sustainable program and invite others to join in their efforts.

 

Martha’s story is remind us the power of exploration, curiosity, and passion. Her story and way of life encourages other newcomers to embrace new experiences, fearlessly explore, and seek for opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.

Strength Beyond Borders: Liliana’s Story

October marks Hispanic Heritage Month in Canada. To honour the incredible accomplishments and contributions of the Hispanic community, we highlight Liliana’s story. 

 

She is a Colombian immigrant who embodies the spirit of what is referred to, in many Spanish-speaking countries, as “berraco.” A “berraco” is someone who rises above adversity, refuses to yield, and makes moving forward their motto. With only four bags, her three children, and hope for a safer future, Liliana embarked on one of the most profound challenges of her life. She left the known for the unknown. 

 

Liliana’s story begins in Colombia, where she was born and grew up in a culture that values warmth, traditions, and strong family ties. However, her life took a sudden turn when she had to leave her home, her mother, and brother within only 24 hours due to threats connected to her government work with demobilized armed groups. 

 

In 2019, she and her children arrived in Canada, seeking refuge in a country filled withunfamiliar landscapes, a new language, and a different culture. The experience has been quite challenging, as she admits, “It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve had support from the government, like everyone who has been here. We’ve had a lot, a lot, a lot of support from Wendy on your [IWC’s] part.” 

 

Among the many challenges Liliana highlights, adapting to the Canadian weather has been difficult, especially coming from sun-soaked Colombia. She also points out the contrast in cultural expressions, noting that Canadians tend to be less effusive in their greetings compared to the warmth in her home country. However, she proudly shares that her children, on the other hand, have adapted really well, embracing what she refers to as the “Canadian way of life”, including the weather. 

 

Her journey in Canada has been a test of her strength and grit. Liliana, formerly a government employee working with the Ministry of Sport and focusing on social work with disarmed members of guerrilla groups in Colombia, found herself in a completely different profession. She said, “I came to this country to do things I had never done before, to work in areas I had never worked in my country, to put in 20-hour workdays in construction, clean at night […] during the Covid pandemic, I started making lunches and selling them.” All of this was done to support her family and pursue her dreams in her new life in Canada. 

 

The Dream

 

“Besides working with the Ministry of Sports, I had a foundation, an NGO, where I carried out various social projects, helping the community, working with the elderly,” Liliana shared. Her 16 years of experience working with people in the social sector drives her deep desire to continue making a difference. 

 

One of her dreams is to keep working with the community, and specifically the Latino community in Canada, helping children through sports programs, as she had done in Colombia. 

 

Last year, Liliana established her own company, where she plays a vital role in helping people connect with organizations like IWC that can support their settlement process. “Thanks to God, I’ve been able to make various contacts, and when someone needs something, I can redirect them,” Liliana stated. 

 

Today, Liliana has become a mother for the fourth time, and she acknowledges the new challenge that she is embarking on, one that, with the support of her family and faith, she has been able to take on. Her most precious dream is to see her children have the opportunity to study, and she aspires to one day reunite with her mother and brother who are still in Colombia. 

 

Something that characterizes Liliana is her firm belief in her goals. As her story unfolds in Canada, she welcomes surprises and new experiences with open arms. It's her "berraca" personality that drives her forward, refusing to stay still and wait for things to happen. It is this determination that inspires her to write the next chapter of her story.
 

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Liliana’s journey resonates with the experiences of many Hispanic immigrants in Canada. During this month, we not only pay tribute to Liliana as a Colombian “berraca” but celebrate the collective resilience, determination, and cultural contributions of the Hispanic community in our country.  

Ayman’s Journey: A Story of Resilience and Triumph

With a never-give up spirit and a firm belief in his dreams, Ayman’s journey to becoming a Certified Electrician in Canada has captivated and inspired all those who have met him at the Immigrants Working Centre (IWC). His story is filled with challenges, separations, and fresh starts. But above all, it highlights his strength and the impact of a supportive community.

 

Originally from Syria, Ayman’s love for electrical work started when he was just 13 years old, and it quickly became a part of his identity. “If I don’t work, I feel that there is something missing,” Ayman says, reflecting on his early years in Syria. This early passion for work laid the foundation for his incredible journey.  

 

As time passed, the situation in Syria worsened.  Ayman fled his homeland and looked for refuge in Lebanon, where he later felt discriminated. Determined to build a better future, Ayman took the dangerous decision to cross the sea and arrived in Germany as an undocumented immigrant. There, he found work as an assistant electrician. 

 

However, Ayman’s ultimate goal was to come to Canada and reunite with his family. “For me, Canada means hope. It is full of opportunities. And no racism,” Ayman says. So, when the opportunity arose, he didn’t doubt taking it. 

 

When Ayman arrived in Canada, he was faced with the arduous task of starting over. He didn’t have the language skills, but he had the expertise and passion for his craft. Determined to work and support his family, he took a job in the chicken industry, “It was not an easy time.” Ayman recalls. 

 

However, His goal was to work as an electrician in Canada. So, he started knocking on doors, asking for help and guidance on how to obtain the credentials required to work as an electrician in Canada. Unfortunately, he wasn't met with optimism, with people telling him that it was too difficult and not worth trying.  

 

It was during this time that Ayman was referred to IWC by his settlement counsellor at HMC Connections. It was here that he met Eman, who recognized Ayman’s knowledge, determination, and enthusiasm. “Eman is a good woman. She told me that it was not difficult to get my credentials. I couldn’t believe it, but she assured me by saying – yes, it is not difficult. She was good to me,” Ayman said, expressing his gratitude for Eman’s support.  

 

Together, they started working on Ayman's Skilled Trades application immediately, while he studied English and worked to support his family. “We compiled all the documents needed, including his resume, work experience, and cover letter to support his application. He completed the online Electrician Code Book courses despite his limited English language skills. We submitted the application, and we just waited, eager to receive the approval for him to take the trades exam,” Eman explains, describing the thorough process. 

 

In April 2021, Ayman finally received approval to write his exam after waiting for 3 to 4 months. However, the language barrier remained a challenge. Louai, a volunteer at IWC, stepped in to support the exam translation. Ayman attempted the credential exam five times, with each attempt becoming a little easier as he gained confidence and studied harder. 

 

He remembers the nights before the exams when he felt nervous and could hardly sleep. But his perseverance and hard work paid off. Ayman finally passed the exam on his fifth attempt with an impressive score of 83 out of 100. He recalls checking the exam results page every day until the screen showed the good news. He couldn’t contain his joy and gratitude for the support he had received from Eman, Louai, and his parents, who were his biggest champions. 

 

Today, Ayman holds his electrical license in Ontario, the result of his determination and perseverance. He knows that his certification will open doors for him in pursuing his dream to become a master electrician and build a career in Canada. Ayman states that the key to his success is to “be confident, not despair, not listen to people who bring you down. Focus on working hard and even language won’t be a barrier, ask questions. There are a lot of people who are lost in this process because they don’t have the information, but they need help, so ask questions.” 

 

Ayman continues to be an inspiration to others not only at IWC but in his community and beyond, showcasing how resilience and hard work can overcome challenges. With a heart full of gratitude, he looks forward to the next chapter of his career in Canada. 

Statements to the Public

At the Immigrants Working Centre, we firmly reject any form of speech or behaviour that fosters hatred, discrimination, and prejudice. In light of the recent protests in our city, our organization stands in support of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, their human rights and the gender expression of all. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in which every individual, regardless of migratory status, cultural background, faith, sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity, not only feels safe but also thrives in a community that values their presence.

 

Our dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion stems from our origins as an organization dedicated to supporting immigrant individuals. We've seen firsthand how inclusive communities and solidarity in times of adversity have made a profound impact on folks’ overall well-being. We are certain that building a culture of inclusion and empathy benefits not just the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities but enriches our entire society.

 

As we work with immigrants on their journey to integrate and establish themselves in Canada, we recognize the importance of embracing all dimensions of diversity, including sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity. Let us work together to create a society where hate and discrimination against specific communities have no place.Our commitment to diversity, supporting immigrants of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities remains unwavering. Today and always, we stand alongside our clients, staff, families and communities who identify as 2SLGTBQIA+  and all of those who share our vision of a just and supportive Hamilton for all.

 

Speqtrum Hamilton will be holding a support group for trans and gender diverse folks this Friday, September 22nd as an opportunity to talk about the recent protests, our current political climate and voice any other concerns. Please visit their page at @speqtrumyhm for more information.

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