I’m a high school student and moved from Ukraine to Canada with my mom last year. I was lucky to have found CCSYR soon after. The organization’s volunteering opportunities opened doors for my mom and me. I started attending various events held by the agency to begin making professional connections. Soon, I landed a part-time job at a local retirement house. Sometimes, balancing responsibilities at school, work, and CCSYR seems like a struggle, but I feel good about my life now. I recently won the Best Ambassador award for my receptionist’s job at the retirement home.
I also got a summer job with CCSYR as a student. It felt great to help people from my own country while working as the community navigator for the Ukrainian Newcomers Project. My mom has found a few lifelong friends through the events here. As I wait to reunite with my father and grandmother, who are currently applying for a visa to move to Canada for good, I dream of becoming a nurse someday.