In 2016, I stepped into a world of white,

snow blanketing everything in silence.

It was my first winter,

cold biting at my skin,

and it felt as though the sky had poured its heart onto the earth.

I had never seen snow like this—

a world so different from the warmth of home.

My first job became my lifeline.

The air smelled of coffee and food,

the pace relentless, the faces ever-changing.

It was exhausting, but it kept me going.

My English was weak; words didn’t come easily.

Sometimes, I heard laughter when I stumbled,

but I didn’t let it break me.

I learned from every mistake, every single day.

Three months later, I found another job.

For a time, I worked both—

long days, short nights—

reminding myself: Work hard. Learn. Make them proud.

In three years, I earned three promotions,

proving that determination can grow

even in the coldest winters.

I faced many different behaviours as a newcomer in Canada,

working jobs that challenged me in ways I never expected.

While pregnant, I did work that was far from comfortable—

lifting, pushing, standing for hours—

tasks that strained my back and tested my spirit.

But I kept going because I didn’t want to stay home.

I wanted to work, to hold on to my independence,

even when it was hard, even when the pain was too much.

Not everyone understood,

but I carried the weight, both seen and unseen,

because I had to, because I wanted to.

I left behind my parents,

my siblings’ laughter, and the friends who knew me best.

It wasn’t just hard;

it felt like tearing a piece of my soul away.

I thought I was on a journey,

but I didn’t know it would change everything.