by J.K Citrus

Created on: August 17, 2008   Last Updated: February 28, 2010

I immigrated to Canada when I was only a kid. My family yearned for a better life, especially for us children. My parents ached to achieve that better life. It was their dream. So after lots of struggling and hoping, we came to Canada one cold and snowy day. We didn't know a word of English, and hadn't a clue of many of the customs, not to mention couldn't sing a word of the national anthem.

In most aspects, Canada was a welcoming country and we loved the new opportunities that it presented to us. It's always tough moving to a new place, especially when this new place is what seems like light years away from your native country, but all of us worked hard in our own areas, trying our best to just fit in.

The language had to be one of the toughest things for all of us, even a third grader such as I was. My parents knew it would be hard, and believe me, it was extremely difficult. Harder than they thought it would be, and they don't normally underestimate things. It still is difficult, even after a few years of living here.

Canada is a beautiful country and we love it completely, but sometimes the homesickness gets to you. And a lot of the time you feel like your family is all that you have in this new foreign place. Leaving your own country, for whatever reason, hurts. I don't speak for everyone when I say this, but I can empathize with those that left behind loved ones and the safety of the country they grew up in.

Although countries like Canada welcome immigrants with open hands, immigrants cannot always easily slip into their new lives like missing pieces into a puzzle. It's always a struggle. Searching for jobs and being denied the work because you just don't have any experience in "this" country (even though you had tons in your own) pulls down even the most confident immigrant's self confidence.

Perfecting an accent and learning how to twist your tongue in different ways puts pressure even on the calmest and most patient immigrant. Starting from scratch with nothing but the few possessions in your suitcases will pain everyone.

But the worst of all of this is the homesickness and the questions that you ask yourself non-stop. Did I do the right thing? Is this the good life I dreamt of? Was it worth it? Am I worth it? It's even hard to watch your parents go through this if you are a child of an immigrant. Sure, being an immigrant is hard, but yes, it is worth it.

If you are an immigrant remember that. No matter how hard it gets, it will always get better. You did the right thing. This new life might seem like the bottom of a dark hole, but look at it as a second chance. A better life. You have to work hard, but yes. It is completely worth it. Keep your chin up, and keep going forwards. Thank you Canada for giving my family the opportunity to realize our dreams!

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