We sat down with newcomer Shiva Khademzadeh to learn more about how the YMCA helped her get settled in her new home:
Y: Hi Shiva, thanks for sharing your story! When did you arrive in Canada, and what made you decide to live here?
Shiva: You're welcome! I arrived in Canada from Syria in the fall of 2013 with my partner and my son, although my native country is Iran. I moved here because I believe that I can provide a better life and education for my self and my family in Canada.
Y: What was your first impression of Canada?
Shiva: The first few weeks I was trying to find my way around and get familiar with the public transportation, but it wasn't what I was used to. I was amazed to see how well people obeyed traffic laws. I also noticed that important services could be found within close proximity of one’s home without having to travel long distances.
Y: Had you heard of the YMCA before moving to Canada?
Shiva: No, but I was referred to the Y's Newcomer Information Centre by staff at Pearson Airport.
Y: Did you end up visiting one of our newcomer centres?
Shiva: Yes! I met with an Information and Referral Specialist who provided settlement information and also encouraged me to participate in a variety of information sessions about Canadian culture and society. The first workshop series that I registered for was Connecting the Dots to Employment, which explores pre-employment job searching. I found it useful and informative, so I registered for all other available workshops in the Let's Talk About It! series, which explored Canadian culture and society.
Y: What was your favourite part of the workshop sessions?
Shiva: One topic clearly stands out from the rest: Diversity. I noticed that ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, class, as well as age, are included in diversity. It was rewarding for me to familiarize myself with a true Canadian value and to discover all the other values Canadians hold close to their hearts.
Y: How did those workshops help you settle in your new country?
Shiva: They were very helpful - in fact, they helped me find a job! An employer who came to speak at one of the workshops actually offered me a job.
Y: Wow, that's amazing! How are you going to celebrate?
Shiva: Thanks! I'm going to enjoy some down time doing things I love like reading, photography, and sightseeing with my family, particularly, historical places.
Y: Awesome! So what's next for you?
Shiva: My long term goals are to build a simple life for my family, to be successful in my life, and to give back to my new country.
