Phebe Irewole migrated to Canada as a student during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was subjected to the restricted movement and isolation safety measures put in place at that time, which made it difficult for her to meet people and network. This impacted her mental health initially, but in time, she found support in a local church, which helped her navigate the hurdles of isolation and disillusionment. Phebe tells her story here:
Migrating to Canada has been both challenging and rewarding. I arrived as a student during the pandemic, which made it difficult for me to network and explore my new environment. It felt isolating and dampened my spirit, but in time, I joined a local church where I was made to feel welcomed and appreciated. I adjusted and found ways to thrive, especially through my freelance work in marketing, graphic design, and content creation for clients both in Nigeria and Canada. My work kept me grounded and gave me a sense of purpose, and my initial isolation began to diminish.
One unique aspect of my journey is how I blended freelance work with my studies while working remotely with clients across countries. This allowed me to build practical skills and gain diverse experience while still in school. After graduation, my increased expertise helped me land a job in my work field immediately, despite the challenging barriers to entering the job market. Since graduating, I’ve experienced a smooth and upward career projection, which I have attributed to my faith, resilience, and the unique opportunities Canada has offered. I have since learnt that every person’s path is unique, and learning to trust our individual journeys is essential to success.
If I could turn back the hands of time, I would have preferred to come as a permanent resident rather than as a student. This would have enabled me to plan my career and life in Canada with a longer-term view. I would have also embarked on programmes that would have earned me more certification and licences, and I would have learned more about Canadian society and the potential challenges newcomers face. Overall, I’m grateful for my journey because it shaped me and helped me develop my career. Also, I would emphasise the wisdom in preparing for the reality of adaptation, weather, and societal shifts for new migrants.
For women of colour who are migrants to Canada, I would encourage us to remember that our journeys are unique. What works for A may not necessarily work for B. Don’t let other people’s experiences or challenges intimidate or discourage you. Don’t let the experiences of others dictate or determine your experiences. Have faith in God, believe in yourself, stay resilient, and know that you are here for a reason—to learn, to give back, and to grow. Find a support system that you can rely on, whether friends, community groups, or a faith community. This support system can be your anchor in the storm, providing reassurance and guidance when you need it most. Be prepared for differences in expectations versus reality, but keep a “soldier mentality”—whatever comes your way, know you can overcome it. Canada offers many opportunities, and though it might be challenging at times, there’s always a path forward.
Finally, I urge women of colour to celebrate the distinctiveness of their journeys and fully embrace it! Everyone’s story is different, which makes it truly special. Instead of measuring your progress against others, take pride in the path you’ve carved out for yourself. Every twist and turn has shaped who you are today, so let your unique experiences shine and inspire those around you.
Phebe Irewole tells her story from Ontario, Canada.
