Canada has been my home for the past decade. These past ten years have marked a profound growth and transformation journey for me and my family in all spheres of life.
It all began in Nigeria when my godson Taiwo visited us and told us about the life-changing opportunity that Canada presented. He spoke so highly of the opportunities in this land flowing with milk and honey that he convinced us to relocate. We bought into this dream of near perfection, which he portrayed, and were enraptured by the perceived new experiences and more diverse opportunities for our child that Canada presented.
This picture of a better future fueled our desire to migrate to Canada. So, we set out on our journey filled with hope and anticipating that our migration would pay dividends.
Adapting to a new culture took work. The food, weather, and culture were different from what we were used to, but we were determined to stay and make the best of our experience.
We embraced the challenges of adapting to a new culture with courage and resilience. Navigating through the complex red tape of settlement processes, overcoming the hurdles of academically advancing myself by furthering my education, and adjusting to a new cultural and environmental landscape demanded unwavering perseverance and focus.
Pursuing my career in Canada posed challenges, and carving out a place in the competitive labour market was particularly daunting. However, my unique perspective as a woman of colour and immigrant emerged as my greatest asset. This is because I was able to bring my authentic and diverse worldviews to bear in my organization. Today, I have imprinted my footprints in the sands of time as I was recently recognized as one of the top hundred Nigerians in the diaspora and I have also won many literary writing awards.
Given another opportunity, I would embark on my journey with even greater confidence and self-assurance. I will boldly seize opportunities without hesitation and prioritize self-care and work-life balance. I will nurture my mental and emotional health and balance these with academic and professional demands.
I offer these words of encouragement to women of colour like me who are also immigrants. You are solid and unique, so feel free to bring your experiences, authenticity, and expertise to the table. You possess unparalleled strength and resilience, and though your journey may be strewn with obstacles, you can conquer them, and your victory only fortifies you further. Never underestimate the power of your voice and experiences. Embrace your uniqueness and draw strength from your cultural heritage. Seek mentors, forge a supportive community, and fearlessly advocate for yourself and your dreams. Remember, your narrative is invaluable, and your voice holds the potential to inspire and shape the destinies of other immigrants
Patricia Eyamba tells her story from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
