Shedeka’s Experience in Canada

My name is Shedeka Richards and I have been in Canada for 3 years and 5 months so far and my time here has been nothing but on-going change. That being said, I arrived in Canada in August of 2017 to complete my Master’s degree and this transition was a little bit tough for me, because when I arrived in that particular year there were a series of bush fires in Prince George and other surrounding areas and this caused a lot of smoke in the air; which made the environment overall not so appealing at first. Thus, I had an instant culture shock and the temperatures were also starting to fall at that time of the year so I had to quickly adjust to smoke everywhere and also upcoming chilly temperatures. However, as my time progressed being in the North I started to experience sub-zero temperatures which I was definitely not used to; being that I am from a warmer region of the world. However, I had always heard of the great north and how cold it could get but I just did not know “how cold” until I experienced it for myself. However, over time I certainly adjusted and the weather was no longer an issue for me; because once I had my coat, some good warm boots, my gloves, and most certainly my chopstick I would be good. However, I would say the climatic/weather change has helped me to be a stronger, adaptable, and more open individual.

Additionally, as it relates to my work or school life it has not been all peaches. Thus, since being here I have worked in customer service, mental health, and now employment services.  However, working whilst studying was not an easy task but I am grateful I had overcome this challenging season or phase of my life. Nonetheless, ultimately I would say it has made me a more well-rounded individual and I am certainly more knowledgeable about the study-work life balance in Canada. Furthermore, as my interests grew with helping persons I learned that I really valued assisting individuals whether it be the homeless, mentally-disabled, and more recent newcomers to Canada. Thus, working in Canada does come with its challenges too but I have grown to understand that each job comes with diverse challenges, and through these difficulties, I gained the ability to work smarter and more efficiently, and the outcomes that I have experienced so far have continued to guide my path here in Canada. That being said, being in the employment sector has now brought another positive change and outlook and I am preparing myself to embrace everything that this new field of work has to offer to me.