A Reflection

Twenty years is the time long enough for a child to reach adulthood. Myself, it is the time for me to reach maturity. It is also the time with many changes in my life; for example:

Knowledge: I came to Canada when I was 16 years old. I went through the last two years of high school before I enrolled in university. In those two years, I had many opportunities to learn about culture and customs of this new country of mine via school's trips to visit theaters and exhibitions. In addition to teaching students with school textbooks, teachers also encourage them to broaden their knowledge by further reading non-textbook materials and hands-on activities. When doing my essays or research, I used to borrow books from the school library or public libraries to find the materials I needed - the internet practically did not exist then. As a result, I learned a lot and my knowledge was significantly improved. Generally speaking, in Canada you can practically find any document and information you want.

Education: Vietnam did not have many universities and it was difficult to pass university entrance exams. Moreover, with our family background, I would not be classified as "student of choice". I did not know how my future would be like. I was fortunate that I came to Canada at the age that I could prepare myself for university. With intensive efforts, I managed to get admission to University of Waterloo/Electrical Engineering, hoping to become an electrical engineers, like my parents. The co-op programs at the University of Waterloo have shaped me enough to start work as an engineer right after my graduation. It was there that I learned how to write résumés, what to say during job interviews, how to manage time for simultaneously writing exams and preparing for interviews, and how to work and gain experience in Canada.

Looking out to the world: Canada is a country of freedom. All international news broadcasts are unbiased and non-partisan. I could read and listen to the news, practically around the world., thanks to which, my knowledge was expanded, not limited to just where I live, and not influenced by opinionated news. To me, Canada is a world in the world, which I am proud to be part of. Canada is also a country with multiculturalism, with immigrants coming from all corners of the world such as Vietnam, China, Britain, Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, Philippines, Africa,Korea, India, etc. Despite differences in their visions, goals and backgrounds, they live in harmony cooperatively. Through conversations with friends, I have learned so many interesting things and I was also proud of Vietnam and Vietnamese culture.

Independence: Away from home I had to rent and share a room with other students at Waterloo. This was the first time I was away from home, away from my parents. After my parents brought me to Waterloo and left, I sat in the room feeling the loneliness and anxiety, knowing that from now onwards I would have to face a new world. Then gradually, I got used to the new environment, like a toddler learning how to walk, stumbling a few times but standing up and completing the journey. In my student's life, friends are closer than my parents, they were my second family. I was fortunate to have good friends around me, taking good care of me like their own sister. Until now, although we each have our own family, we still keep close ties with each other, just like the old days.

I was very lucky to come to Canada at the school age. I could easily adapt and harmonize with the new environment, new people. Despite some obstacles in language and customs in the early days, I gradually regained my balance, my confidence and found myself a good spot in the new society. Twenty years in Canada have helped me to grow and become mature, to appreciate my life and others' and to love people around me, for they are the people who have been helping me, supporting me through all parts of my life.