I am Sana, a woman whose journey from Morocco to Canada is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and unwavering determination. Five years ago, when I, alongside my husband and two children, set foot in Toronto with dreams of a better life. The city, filled with promise, became a place that would soon test our resilience.

The initial struggle of finding a place to call home in Toronto tested the limits of our hope. With no friends or relatives in the unfamiliar city, we spent two months in a hotel, facing the daunting task of finding suitable accommodation. Leaving behind a significant portion of our savings in that hotel, the journey had only just begun. Renting a decent house proved to be a financial hurdle as the landlord required a full year’s rent, depleting 25% of our savings within two months.

Undeterred by these setbacks, we came to Canada with a hopeful plan: to establish our subsidized daycare. To achieve this goal, I enrolled in college to obtain my Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma, and my husband tirelessly sought employment. After three months, he secured a position with Canada Post, I navigated the challenges of studying while pregnant, and our children settled into their new life.

However, our optimism was soon overshadowed by a sudden and unexpected turn of events. My husband, the pillar of our family, began experiencing unexplained tremors and memory lapses. Despite initial reluctance to acknowledge the issue, I persuaded him to seek medical attention. Within ten months of our settlement, a harrowing chapter unfolded – my husband could no longer work, and his health rapidly deteriorated. Faced with a daunting choice between caring for him and completing my second year at college, the stakes were high. During his six-month hospital stay, I was balancing caregiving, motherhood, and studies, finding myself navigating the complexities of life within hospital walls. The challenges intensified, and in the midst of this turmoil, I welcomed a beautiful daughter into the world and a glimmer of hope emerged—Basma (Arabic name that means Smile), appropriately named for the smile it brought amid tears.

Two years passed, marked by grief and sorrow until tragedy struck in 2021 with the passing of my husband, leaving me at a crossroads. My master’s degree in finance, earned in Europe, was incompatible with the Canadian financial landscape. Our savings were depleted, the prospect of working as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) seemed inadequate given the wage disparity and language barriers was another hustle.  I faced the daunting task of reimagining my life. Yet, driven by an unwavering commitment to offer the best to my children, I decided to chart a new course. Returning to school for English improvement, I pursued a Marketing Management diploma and made a bold move to Ottawa, embracing the promise of a fresh start.

The transition brought its own set of challenges, but I navigated them with grace and determination. Securing a new house, ensuring my children’s seamless integration into their new schools, and finding a position at the YMCA marked significant milestones. A subsequent promotion to an outreach and marketing role at IWSO underscored my ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, I stand resilient. The chapters of sorrow and loss have sculpted me into a woman of strength and determination. As I navigate the complexities of life in Canada, my journey becomes a testament to the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of hope against all odds.

Despite the trials, Canada remains a land of miracles and hope for me. Grateful for the unwavering support of fellow Canadians and community members, I now proudly embrace Canadian life as a citizen. My story echoes a valuable takeaway for newcomers and anyone facing adversity: “Embrace challenges as opportunities; keep going because every challenge is a chance to become stronger, and success is waiting on the other side of determination.” And so, I hope my journey serves as a poignant reminder that with perseverance, even the most formidable challenges can pave the way for a brighter and triumphant future.