Coming to Canada
It’s been 24 years since I came to Canada. I arrive in February 1998 and finally this week, February 28, 2022, I became a Canadian citizen.
My plane landed at the Montreal International Airport. It was a cold day, colder than anything I have ever experienced in my whole life.
Until then, the only thing I knew about Montreal was from the images that I had seen in a National Geographic magazine a few years earlier.
I was dissatisfied with my life. Things were not going well for me in my native land Colombia, and I thought that moving to a different country would give me a new start.
Since my arrival in Canada, many things were a huge challenge: Going back to university, working conditions, finding an affordable place, to live. I came to Canada with a student visa. My visa required me to be a full-time student. My family helped me with the university expenses, but I also had to work as a janitor (under the table) to sustain my living and tuition expenses.
My school experience was a bit different from that of a regular student. While most students have a school life and a social life; I had a student life and a working life. But I felt so fortunate to have a fresh start, so I embraced my new life with enthusiasm.
Working in Canada
It took me five years to finish school, but finally, I was ready to hit the labor market.
I worked one year as a financial advisor but my job didn’t work out because I didn’t like selling financial products. In less than one year I quit my job.
Due to accidents in life, I became a dance teacher. I have been teaching dance since 2004; 18 years now. Dancing has been my major source of revenue, but also a great source of happiness.
I have also have worked as an Airbnb host, Uber driver, Photographer, and content producer on the internet. So far, my life in Canada has been incredibly rewarding. I got what I was looking for, a new beginning and a better life.
As a Canadian citizen, these are my new privileges and responsibilities.
Benefits
Security: I get to live in a country in which the rule of law is observed. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best country where I have ever been to.
I like walking down the street, at late hours during the night, and not having a fear that anything will happen to me. This sense of security and wellbeing has no price.
Democracy: It’s a great privilege to be able to vote. Yes, sometimes my preferred candidate doesn’t win, but there is a great level of satisfaction when I know that every vote counts.
An opportunity to make money: I see nothing but opportunities in the Canadian labor market. My income is determined 100% by me. If I am willing to take on more responsibility, do sell more of my services, or invest more, I can earn so much more. My level of wealth is dependent 100% on my desire to create more wealth.
I find myself refusing opportunities because I like to work, but I also give great value to leisure time.
The Canadian Passport. The Canadian Passport has great credibility around the world. I never had much difficulty traveling with my Colombian passport, but I know that a Canadian passport can open so many more doors.
Responsabilities
Obeying the law: One of Canada’s founding principles is the rule of law. I commit myself to following all Canadian laws.
Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family financially. Canadians take pride in contributing to Canada’s prosperity by working hard and keeping alive the Canadian work values, personal dignity, and self-respect. I have always been able to take care of my financial responsibilities, whether it is by working as a janitor or as a real estate investor.
Serving on a jury: I am legally required to serve the judiciary system when asked to do so.
Responsibility to vote: Our voting responsibility comes from our right to vote in the first place. Canadians are responsible to vote in federal, provincial or territorial, and local elections. I am so eager to cast my next vote.