Kanak Khatri, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer
After almost 20 hours of flight, I felt like Alice who landed in a wonderland pondering how my jet lag would go away and how I would figure my life out in a new country. Jet lag and losing track of time (because the sun sets late in Canada) were just the first little things that I faced as an immigrant. However, I personally, emotionally and spiritually have changed so much that the initial glitches in retrospect feel like the tip of the iceberg that was going to change me for good.
Initially, I had to talk to a lot of strangers trying to figure out accommodation and become friends with people who were in the same situation as I was. It changed me from a girl who was always introverted and not very confident to one who is more outgoing. Another challenge I faced was trying to keep myself fed which also gave me a greater appreciation for my mother as a homemaker. Before I forced myself to discover culinary art, I survived mostly on bread. Next stop, figuring out transit. Once I was able to figure out the buses, I was surprised to learn how easy it is to get somewhere. I also thrifted things because I couldn’t afford new items at the time. The initial struggle made me outgoing, and a hustler and most importantly made me learn essential life skills.
Another adjustment was transitioning from one education system to another. I am a nerd and I loved going to college and writing assignments, so it wasn’t a problem. However, the whole two years of school made me realize my passion for writing, and here I am today.
The next challenge was getting a job, figuring that out was difficult and significant at the same time. I had moved to countries looking for opportunities that weren’t prevalent in my own. Disappointed so many times, I built my way through being a part-time restaurant crew member, and supervisor and then finally landing a corporate job made me realize and see my end goal will manifest in the future. In the end, 250 versions of my resume, people and recruiters ghosting me, well-built stories, and tweaking my skills here and there was all worth it. As much as I hated my initial restaurant jobs, I appreciate that I got to experience them because I owe my confidence, understanding of teamwork, mentorship, and friendships to those jobs.
Through all of the stages, I kept meeting people, making friends and learning about their stories. Coming from a different culture, made me more accepting, and open-minded and enhanced my ability to put myself in people’s shoes. All the freedom and opportunities that I received from my migration to a new country have turned me into a person that I never imagined I could be.
I mean I did have all positive expectations of things happening to me when I moved, and things did take a different turn. All my struggles have matured me, and I know dealing with change is difficult. I do cherish all the experiences and embrace all the growth that it has brought me, and I hope to continue to do that.
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