• Current city of residence: Regina, Saskatchewan.

• Year arrived in Canada: 2010

• Schools: Saskatchewan Polytechnic/ University of Regina

• Academic programs: Civil Engineering Technology/Petroleum System Engineering

• Profession: Civil Technologist

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

  When I arrived at the University of Regina in 2010, I was lucky enough to find a friend I knew from Kakuma. He helped me with transition and as such I did not experienced hardships in terms of being absorbed into the Canada culture.  Although my case was different, my advice to WUSC students that may find themselves in schools where they do not know anyone is to seek help and ask questions where applicable. There are always people willing to help.

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

While social media may not replace the need to have face to face interaction, they are essential tools to connect with family or friends in different schools. Another way to avoid loneliness is to make new friends. 

3. From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada?

To succeed in Canada especially in school, in my opinion, you must set your priorities straight. Seek advice from your faculty advisors, fellow/former WUSC students on what are the right and marketable careers to follow.  Hard work, discipline and a healthy relationship with your professors will make your academic life easier.

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

Lack of adaptability. It is important to be flexible with what programs that you want /wish to pursue. If you are unable to get into the program that you like, choose another one and stick with it. Moving from program to program will waste your time and money. Another important factor is lack of openness about one’s struggles. It is vital that you seek help when you need it.

5. Seeing how credit scores are important, do you have any advice on managing money or a credit profile?

A simple rule for this is: do not to use a credit card if you can not repay it within a month.

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

It is important that you let your family and friends know that you are a student, and that you will not  be able to support them financially while in school.

7. Were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?

My aspirations have partially been met. I am yet to secure my dream job. This is probably because I graduated with no prior work experience in my field. If I were to start over again, I will make sure that I have some work experiences in my field before graduating.  In addition, knowing what I know now, I would not have taken student loans. There are a myriad of ways that you can finance your studies. You could take summers off and work. You will need to have self discipline and a strong will power to do it though.