Current City: Montreal, Quebec

Year arrived in Canada: 2018

School: Concordia University

Academic program: Sociology and Anthropology

1. What inspired you to pursue your studies in Sociology and Anthropology of all the academic programs that were available to you?

When I came to Canada, my intention was to further my studies in Law. Unfortunately, I did not meet the requirement of having a prior undergraduate degree because my studies were interrupted by financial constraints back in Kenya before I had the opportunity to complete the program. I had to figure out another course to pursue when I was applying to university. I wanted something that would not only pave a way, but also set a great foundation for me to be able to easily explore my other fields of interest soon. That’s exactly why sociology & anthropology stood out to me among other programs. It’s a very interdisciplinary course that covers various aspects of human social relationships drawn from other disciplines such as liberal arts, law, literature, political science, and history.

2. Do you have any advice to new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?

My advice to new students joining post-secondary institutions is to choose a course that they are passionate about and not what their parents, relatives or peers want them to study. It’s also important to consider the job market when deciding what program to pursue. If at any point you feel that the program you are enrolled in does not meet your expectation and would like to switch to a different field, do not hesitate to share your concerns with an academic advisor assigned to you by the university.

3. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?

New students are presented with numerous challenges when they come to Canada. This takes them through a rollercoaster of emotions. When life becomes overwhelming, majority adapt and survive while some find other ways to cope such as substance abuse and excessive drinking of alcohol. Subsequently, they lose focus and drift away from their life goals.

I also think that many students tend to focus so much on their grades that they forget to do internships, network or build connections while at the University. By the time they graduate, they have little or no experience to offer to their potential employers in their respective fields. Usually, they are left with no choice but to work in warehouses, retail, or any other service jobs.

4. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?

Canadian lifestyle is completely different from what we are accustomed to and at times, one can still feel lonely even though they’re surrounded by people. Try to stay in touch with your loved ones and make as many friends as possible. Feel free to reach out to those who have been here longer to share some of their positive tips on how to cope with life in Canada.

5. From your experience so far, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms).

Determination, hard work and patience. There are obviously no shortcuts in life, so it’s important to be patient with yourself while actively working towards your goals. Be prepared to run into various hurdles along the way but don’t let them weigh you down. Focus on what you can handle and avoid worrying about anything that’s not within your control.

6. Is your racial profile helping or hindering your professional growth? That is, if race is a factor at all.

Not yet or it’s probably something I haven't noticed for now. However, I will not be surprised if my racial profile becomes a factor in the future.

7. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?

Some friends and family have a very unrealistic view of what life is like in the West. You must be upfront with them about your struggles as a student. Extend a helping hand whenever possible but don’t drown in debt trying to solve everyone’s problem. Understand that it’s almost impossible to meet all their expectations and it’s ok to prioritize yourself before anybody else.

8. If you can reflect on your personal journey, were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?

My aspirations were met. I arrived in Canada as a temporary resident. I spent the first couple of months living in uncertainty and as a result, I suffered a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. Things eventually fell into place, and I finally got back to school. If I were to start over again in Canada, I would worry less and simply just trust the process.

9. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new students?

Have fun and enjoy the beauty of diversity but don’t lose your authentic self and values in the process.