Settlement

Moving to Canada was full of challenges from the first day I came here. But the good thing is that I have learned a lot during this time here. Every new day I still learn about Canada, the people and about the society as well.

I moved to Canada as an immigrant on November 25, 2017.  At that time, I discovered that I was just starting a new life. New culture, new weather, new language with different accents, so every one of these factors was a new challenge for me.   I had to deal with all these challenges which wasn’t easy at that time. 

First challenge was the idea to start from beginning in all aspects of my life, to study English.  My Egyptian University degree in accounting was not recognized or accepted and I invested a lot of time and hard work into it.  Second challenge was that I had to work on my driver license- prepare for the writing exam by reading the SGI book.  I also had to write a written exam and clear the driving exam. From start to finish, this took me 8 months.  I failed the exam twice. Then, I got it the third time.  This is when my life in Canada started to be easier because I now had a driver license and could drive myself if I found work. 

The third challenge was that I needed to do something.  I wanted to find work and was not able to find work in my small town.  All the jobs were co-op jobs and I applied there 4 times.  I continued to look and heard someone say that they were security jobs.  I only needed my license and First Aid & CPR certificate.  I first got CPR and First Aid and the second week of having my driver license, I went for training at Commissionaires for Security Guard.  I was successful and received 91% on my final score.  I was now able to apply for work as a security guard.  In October, I was hired part-time as a security guard at a construction site. 

I found support from my wife who encouraged me to get my licence and security training.  I also got support from my instructor, Priyanka, LINC Home Study Canada. She helped me through her experience as an instructor and as an immigrant.  I also got support from my instructor Dianna who taught workplace essential skills and arranged my work placements during the program.  She was a positive push for me to want to continue my studies and find full time employment. 

Moving to Canada wasn’t easy.  It has been a hard and long transitional period in my life.  I am still learning.  I am still searching to find my place here.