Aasha's Story

Torn between the comfort of home and the promise of a new beginning, this is the story of many newcomers to Canada. The story of Aasha, the story of hope.

 

Aasha’s journey began - and almost ended - during winter, as Canadians know far too well, the struggle of Northern living. Snow covered the ground, and the cold was kind of intense. Aasha had a place to stay at a hotel neighboring Centennial Park, but she arrived in the early morning, to a room that was not yet ready. So, she decided to take a walk in the park. The river beside her reminded her of the oceans crossed to get here. Home never felt so far away. 

 

As she walked, she found a bench to rest on. Breathing in the crisp air, Aasha thought about the adventures ahead. Her excitement was matched with nervousness, loneliness, and a lot of uncertainty.

 

Later, a local woman stopped to talk to Aasha. The woman offered support and some words of wisdom for Aasha in this new journey. In fact, nearly everywhere Aasha went, she was greeted by local Sarnians, with offers of kindness, resources, and help with adjusting to her new surroundings.

 

As Aasha grew more comfortable with her new city of Sarnia, she returned to that bench almost every night. It became a place of reflection, where she would sit and remember her first days in Sarnia, thinking about how far she had come since then.

 

She started school at Lambton College, where she met fellow international students and moved into a place with them. Together, they embarked on many adventures across Lambton County. As her friendships grew, Aasha was reminded of the bench she had once sat on alone. 

 

A lot has changed since Aasha’s first days in Canada almost two years ago. She has made friends, worked hard, and graduated from college. To this day, she returns to Centennial Park, sits down on the bench, and reflects on where it all started. As she works towards permanent residency and finding her next career, she stops at this bench to remind herself of the support around her, the challenges she has overcome to be here, and the similar struggles of her peers. She is confident they too will be greeted by the kindness of local Sarnians.

 

So, Aasha returns to the bench, takes a deep breath, and reflects on her journey. It hasn’t been easy, and sometimes the road has been traveled alone, but she is thankful to have landed in Sarnia. This place has become her home away from home.