An Immigrant's Story

 I love a good story and as a result of my job, I have come across some very inspiring and interesting ones. I meet people from literally every section of the society, no filters (robbers/shoplifters/ex-convicts included) no restrictions – okay you now know that I work in a convenience store/ gas station.  Among all the stories, there  are some that strike a chord with you.
Canada, my adopted country ,by choice, is a home to immigrants from 200 countries. We all come from different cultures and speak different languages. But there is something universal to all of us, who are first generation immigrants that distinguish us from others. We are united in our shared story of constant struggle to assimilate in a new society.  We all deal with the same yearnings for the place that holds the memories of our childhood and youth and that defines us.
As a woman, I feel the pain of some women estranged  from their families, living in the hope of being reunited with their children, some struggling to keep their religious values and families together, but most trying to strike a  balance between keeping alive the past memories and building a new life. There are times, when your years of previous experience conflicts with your current life and that’s the challenge we all face.
Friends from Ethiopia,Albania,Germany,Japan,India,Iraq, and Iran- all share the same predicament of sharing their loyalties. All immigrants share same story of how the allure of good life, security and in some cases just a safe haven from violence in homeland that brought us here. We all want our kids to adopt to the new country, but at the same time face the uphill task of them not forgetting their roots.
We all appreciate the good life our adopted home gives us, (there’s a reason we all are here) it’s hard not to with the country being so beautiful and inviting. Yet, even people who have lived here for 40 years, still pine for  their homeland, and this yearning for times gone by, with the appreciation of the good life we lead here,  is the paradox that  unifies all the first generation immigrants.
Here are some tips to adjust to your new life:

1. Remember what brought you here in the first place. Appreciate and be grateful for what you have.
2. This yearning; this feeling of incompleteness is going to stay with us all the time. Learn to live with it.
3. Don’t forget your roots. Sometimes in our enthusiasm to be accepted, we forget our roots. It took me a while to admit that we had no clue about football or ice hockey and to feel no shame in it. People value honesty.
4. Don’t look back because the memories in your heart are from another era. Just rejoice in it, but please don’t compare it to the new life. The reason you came was because obviously you were dissatisfied with some aspects of your native country.
5. Get rid of your prejudices. It’s wiser to start your new life with an open mind and embrace all the differences without any preconceived notions.
6. Accept you are no different from other immigrants – new beginnings are tough on everyone, so self-pity will get you no where.
7. Ask help – There is no harm in asking for help. Let go of your ego and you will meet some great people and although you will always miss your homeland, these tips will make life easier.