Employment

My name is Karen. I am from Nicaragua. I studied architecture at the National University of Engineering of Nicaragua. From a very young age, my parents noticed my talent and passion for construction. My grandfather owned a construction company and whenever I could accompany him on projects. I enjoyed it so much. I loved playing with wooden blocks and building houses of foam.

In my fourth year of studies, I began an internship as an assistant engineer for a construction company. They saw my passion and dedication, and they hired me. From the beginning, I met incredible people who taught me a lot, from the bosses to the workers (carpenters, bricklayers, etc.). This motivated me more. It was more difficult to study and work at the same time, but my desire to grow and learn was much greater. Maybe I missed out on time with my friends like any college student, but I felt happy creating steps for my future. I worked for 12 years as an architect before immigrating to Canada.

I came to Canada in 2018. I was in Toronto for 1 year and I worked with a Nicaraguan engineer who did renovation projects. It was good for me because I didn’t speak English at all. Then, we moved to Saskatchewan for 2 years, and finally we moved to Pembroke in 2021. I helped my husband and his brother start up an Amazon delivery business, but didn’t have the opportunity to work in my field.

Since I moved to Canada, I began studying English part-time. I went to school in Toronto. Then when I moved to Birch Hills, SK, they only offered English classes twice a week for a couple of hours. I got a job at a supermarket, which helped me a lot to practice my little bit of English. Then, with the birth of my son, I was able to get an online English program, which I feel has helped me a lot. I've had incredible teachers who have always supported me in my learning and growth.

My English has improved slowly but steadily due to the reality of life. I've lived in small places where I couldn't study intensively, and I had to work. I think everything has come together to be able to practice and learn both with a teacher.

At some points in my life, I thought I'd never be able to work in my profession again, that I had to come up with a plan B. I figured out how to go to college and find something I liked. I thought I had to have a degree in Canada to be able to work professionally, but I was so wrong.

An angel (my teacher) always told me that wasn't the case, that I was wrong. She always insisted in my classes on looking for information about jobs based on my profession, courses, etc., and little by little, she changed my perspective. I managed to start studying for a design program that could open the doors to work in my field. And without even finishing my course, I managed to get a job in my profession. You can't imagine how happy I am to know that I can contribute to this country that has opened its arms to me in something I'm passionate about. This is just the beginning. I would love to continue studying in the free programs offered by universities.