Newcomer advises others to ‘give yourself grace’ when you arrive in Canada
Every newcomer’s decision to come to Canada is unique and personal. In this series, Landed, we highlight four stories of newcomers who have made the decision to make Canada their home. This time, we meet Wunmi, who came from Nigeria to focus on a new chapter in her life.
Every newcomer’s decision to come to Canada is unique and personal. In this series, Landed, we highlight four stories of newcomers who have made the decision to make Canada their home. This time, we meet Wunmi, who came from Nigeria to focus on a new chapter in her life.
“Coming here was more running towards something good than running away from something bad. There were bad things in Nigeria, yes, but I was focused on opening a new chapter in my life. I wanted to improve my overall quality of life and unlock a higher level of independence.
“You visit other countries, and you see how things work and you are inspired. You wonder, ‘Why can’t my country function like this? Why don’t we have electricity all the time? Why don’t we have good roads or quality health care?’ Trying to explain life in Nigeria to someone, it would sound like fiction to them. You have to experience it to understand it.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“Every year we see these publications about countries that have the highest happiness index and best quality of life, and Canada is always on the list. Canada seemed to have a very clear path for immigrants, all the steps and things I needed to do to become a permanent resident were clear. I am a chartered accountant, and it was clearly spelled out what I would need in order to do my job in Canada.
“I also like road trips a lot. So, the size of this country just attracted me.
“When I first landed in 2021 — it was something called a soft landing just to test the waters and see if I liked it — I don’t know how to describe how I was feeling. I was worried and concerned about getting a job and settling in. I felt like an outsider. There was one day when I went to the market and I was going to request an Uber to go home, and I couldn’t — I did not yet have a bank card that worked here. I felt a bit sad because everyone around me looked like they were going about their lives and knew what they were doing.
“It’s important to give yourself grace. For the first few days I think I was overwhelmed and concerned, but I was also happy — it was just, ‘What’s next?’ I just hailed a cab and moved on. I got a job the first week I came here permanently in September 2022.
“I am very content. I think that is the word. For me I equate contentment with being happy and being at peace. I don’t want many things. I have a good job. People here are kind. It’s starting to feel like home. In the last nine months I have only been met with a lot of kindness and love from people. I don’t know if that is unique to me, but that is my experience.
“I haven’t done any road trips, yet, but I want to get on the road soon.”
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