4 minute read
Canada Day!
From India to Canada
Greeshma Vineesh - Submitted
My journey to Canada began on April 4, 2017, when I left behind my career, family, and comfort zone in search of a better life, both financially and in terms of quality of living. It wasn’t a decision made overnight, but rather a shared dream between my husband and me, one that took shape over several years and continents.
At the time, I was a full-time teacher in South Africa, teaching Physics and Chemistry to students from Grades 10 to 12. My husband was working in Dubai. When he moved to Canada on January 22, 2012, after finding the right opportunity, we both knew it was the start of something significant. Years later, joining him in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in 2017, April, felt like stepping into the unknown — but with hope in my heart.
Those first few months were among the hardest. We lived in a small one-bedroom house. My husband was working full-time, and I spent most of the days alone, no friends, no family, and perhaps the hardest part of all, being away from my four-year-old daughter, Vivika, who stayed back with my parents. It was a period of emotional struggle, filled with homesickness and adjustment to a new culture and climate.
Canada, to me, seemed vast and quiet. I remember thinking, “This country has so much land!” Even though it was already April, the air was still chilly, reminding me just how different this place was. But what warmed me the most were the people-kind faces, warm smiles, and a genuine friendliness that helped me slowly find my footing.
Everything changed for the better on January 4, 2019, when we moved to Vegreville, Alberta. This time, I came with both of my children — Vivika and my then 10-month-old son, Harry. Starting over in a new town with two young kids was a challenge, but we immediately noticed that Vegreville was a town full of opportunities. But by then, I had already learned what it meant to adapt, to stay resilient, and to keep moving forward with my third born, Ritu.
Today, I am proud to be working as an Educational Assistant at Vegreville Composite High School, while also working towards completing my Bachelor of Education. Looking back, immigrating to Canada was not just a life change — it was a life transformation. It taught me strength, patience, and the beauty of starting over.
Moving here was truly the best decision we ever made. From the initial hardships to the joyful milestones, this journey has shaped who I am today — not just as a mother and educator, but as a proud immigrant Canadian.
Canada felt very different from India in many ways — the vast open spaces, the chilly weather even in April, and the quieter, more individual lifestyle. Back home in India, life was more vibrant and community-based, while in Canada, I found peace, kindness, and personal growth. Now, I feel truly grateful and proud to call Canada my home. It has given my family stability, safety, and the chance to grow both personally and professionally.
From my experience, the people in Canada have been nothing but kind, helpful, and considerate. I’ve never faced any bad treatment.
Today, our whole family is proud to be Canadian citizens. Now, we are a happy family of five. I strongly believe that we are living in one of the best places in the world!
