As a single mom of four, living in Canada for more than 2 years now. At first, I could say the transition is sudden and it’s really been tough for me to adapt from many changes in a new country and plus the fact that we don’t have either relatives or friends here. I still hoped for a better and peaceful living here in Canada, but unfortunate things happened. My children and I faced traumatic abuse and domestic violence from my ex-husband. With the aftermath, I was left alone struggling with the financial, mental and emotional battle that took a tool on me.

I was so depressed, troubled, and disoriented on how and where to start to regain myself. With the assistance of my social worker, Mae, I stumbled across Kiwassa Neighborhood House and met JR the Coordinator of EMPOW3R Program. He wasted no time or had second thoughts about me being the right candidate for EMPOW3R. He offered his support in working me through the program details become certified as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant.

In the beginning of our class, I was a bit reluctant but with the support coming from EMPOW3R Facilitators, Tracy and Adaeze. I could say it wouldn’t be as comfortable and motivating if it weren’t because of them. These lovely ladies always make sure to lift my spirit high and inspire me immensely. The word from Tracy that marked in my heart was “Great opportunities come with great sacrifices”. It made me realize that trials in life will always come and go and it’ll make me tougher.

“There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed” –Napoleon Bonaparte

I can’t help but remember and will absolutely agree with what JR told me from the start but now I can say that I am destined to be with EMPOW3r. I could attest that it’s above and beyond from just finding employment, economic sustainability and enhancing wellness is what EMPOW3r could do but the true definition of HOPE.

As I move forward with my journey, I am determined to continue my learning as a FULL Early Childhood Educator and be a part of Kiwassa and Empow3r’s chain of benevolence. I dare say I can make use of my calling and to make an impact on children and their families.

From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank everyone especially to JR for your effort on reviewing and accepting me as a student at EMPOW3R Program, for our Guiding and Caring teacher, Marketa for nourishing us with knowledge on how to be a great educator, Tracy and Adaeze for your endless support from lifting us in the morning (those shake your hands and get yourself comfy and grab your coffee or tea- I will definitely miss those) up to helping us with our resume up to finding a practicum place for us, for connecting people that will give us extra help like Mr. Bourke of WorkBC and house rental assistance from Ashley Shapiro of Downtown Eastside Women’s Center, thank you.

And finally, to the person who endlessly supports me emotionally and psychologically Lysandra Chan, thank you so much.

To all EMPOW3r staff, you’ve done the utmost in helping not just me but everyone. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy and for all that I want you all to know that I’m more than grateful for all your endless help and support. Thank you for making a difference in other people’s lives. I’m praying for this home; Kiwassa Neighborhood House and Empower would count more and more years in celebrating beautiful attainments.

I’ve experienced this saying throughout time at EMPOW3R.

“People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”- Maya Angelou

All of this wouldn’t be a wonderful experience without my persevering and well-driven classmates. To Julia, Huimei, Janet, Nancy, Siham, Pamela, Marta, Gullan, Maria, Nitti and Farrah.

Thank you so much for the time, for lending your ears, for the laughs that ease the stressful time and for all your support. Cohort#16 is the best!!!!