Canada

Where is my root?

I grew up in a cosmopolitan city called Hong Kong, where Western and Asian history, language and culture merge. Living in a bustling city that operates 24/7, with a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, has been quite the experience. While I wouldn't say that I enjoy it, I don’t hate it either. Hong Kong’s fully developed buildings, convenient public transportation, complete education system, freedom and overall sense of security which was the standard I often took for granted. This beautiful city always strives me to grow, and self transcending. I believe this spirit was unique among the people of Hong Kong which also shaped who I am.

How did love change my decision?

During my time in Hong Kong, I had the fortune of meeting someone who changed my life: my husband Kyler. Kyler is a kind-hearted Canadian who is willing to share my dreams. We embarked on a two-year long-distance relationship, breaking through the challenges of time difference, culture conflict. Despite our sweet moments and support for each other, we still felt lonely, even though we flew between Hong Kong and Canada every three months during those years. During that time, we both felt the need for a change. Therefore, I decided to apply for a one-year working holiday in Canada. Interestingly, I didn’t feel scared or upset about leaving my homeland, family and friends. Since I was 18 years old, I had traveled to many countries by myself and had worked as a culture exchange student in America and Australia.

What made you decide to leave Hong Kong for Canada?

Time flew when Kyler and I had a lot of fun and we got along pretty well. However, we needed to make the biggest choice in our life to stay in Canada or Hong Kong. I remember the day when we discussed, the news from TV popped up and we were shocked. It was reporting about Hong Kong’s National security law. This news made Kyler and I realize how lucky we were to live in a place where we can think it out loud and say what we want. We couldn’t imagine there was a restriction on these basic rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of press. I wouldn't say it was a mistake for the Chinese government to pass the legistation. But the level of fear was very real and had broken the promise about keeping Hong Kong “One country, two systems” with an unchanged life for fifty years. Hong Kong's uncertain future forced us to stay in Canada to seek a better future.

What has Canada changed me?

A one-year working holiday experience in Canada was like losing my return ticket, and the price was incredibly high. I never thought about the goodbye I said to my parents and friends at that time would lead to a plan to leave “home”. It was a bittersweet decision, as I really left behind my homeland, a place filled with cherished memories and deep connections. However, I appreciate that Canada offered a safe haven and welcomed immigrants to seek a bright future. As we settled into our new lives, I realized there was my chance to be reborn. Walking out of my comfort zone was a chance to reconnect myself deeply to understand my goals, and aspirations. To be situated in a new culture and surrounded by diverse perspectives, I had the opportunity to redefine my identity to obtain a quality lifestyle and career growth.

Canada became a symbol of hope and possibility to me. It offered me a sense of belonging, acceptance, and I could smell of freedom to pursue my dreams. In this new chapter of my life, I learned to respect diverse cultures, appreciate nature and embrace multiculturalism that makes Canada unique. I am determined to discover my resilience, adaptability to overcome any obstacles in my future.