I have been teaching in Canada for about 12 years. It has been a rewarding journey for me whose mother tongue is not English. I grew up in Taiwan, and had a very successful education and career. Life was good and the future was bright for a university graduate with an English major. English was my ticket to a successful career in Taiwan then.
Then I came to Canada almost 17 years ago during the recession in 1990. My husband used to tease me that I brought the recession to Canada. (Ha. Ha. Ha. I could have killed him.) For all adult immigrants alike, the adjustment to a new life here in Canada takes time, patience and courage. The career path also requires tremendous effort for an immigrant like me. English was my specialty in a country far away, but everyone speaks English here. I could have lived comfortably as a housewife, but I didn’t have a profession. I was an independent career woman in Taiwan. The thought of sitting at home for the rest of my life scared me!
I always believe that I, as an immigrant, have to work twice as hard than others in order to prove myself. It is not my imagination but reality in a foreign country. I think, because of this kind of work ethics and discipline, my education and career have been moving smoothly. My husband and his family are always there for me since day one. I am greatly indebted to them.
Although I have established a happy family life with my husband here in Canada , none of my family and friends are here with me. They are all currently residing in Taiwan. Life is harder when friends and family are not there to console you, which also means that you have to be stronger and tougher in order to face obstacles and challenges in life alone. This is especially difficult for a newly wed in a foreign land.
I left Taiwan to marry my husband. Like many others’ experiences, my families and friends raised concerns and doubts about the prospect of a successful marriage to a foreigner. I left my father in sick bed, family in distress, friends in awe, and my successful career of managing three jobs, teaching, broadcasting and sales, simultaneously. I assured all of my loved ones that I would take care of myself. My husband and I would establish a good life.
I always tell myself that when people made decisions to leave a life like I did, they have no right to look back or to call upon others for help. I did not look back. I can’t! I can not let down people who love me and believe in me back home, or let them worry about my life here, thousands of miles away from across the ocean and continent. I always have to remind myself that I have to swallow my pride and tears and move forward. I did just that!
No matter where you are in the world, life together is not easy for a newly wed couple. On top of that, it was even more difficult to adjust to a new married life with additional culture shock for my first few years in Canada. The career path was not rosy either. I did go to university for a year to get my additional degree in education. With my Bachelor of Education in tow, I started working in the public education system since 1995. I consider it a blessing that I have been through the better and the worse of two education systems. I have been able to, and will continue to advance my teaching in class, because I believe education is my calling.
All in all, looking back, I am pleased with what I have accomplished, and the past certainly makes my life more meaningful. So, I have decided to start reflecting on the roads I have crossed, and paths I have taken. (I thought I’d better do that before my Alzheimer kicks in).
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