Pushing Myself

Adjusting to Canada

Written and photographed by Kim Dohyung.

I still remember the time in October 2016 when I arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport. I had two main goals to achieve during my stay in Toronto. One of them was to study what I wanted to learn about, which was aircraft, and the other was to learn how to adapt to a new environment.

I was so excited thinking about all the fun I would have in Toronto, but at the same time, I doubtfully asked myself if I would be able to accomplish my goals alone. I was smiling on the outside, but inside I was full of anxiety.

Living in a different country was harder than I had expected. Since I was a newcomer and knew nobody in Toronto, I had to begin to settle in all by myself. Starting from getting a place to stay and opening a bank account, nothing was easy for me. Moreover, my English was not good enough to feel comfortable when talking to Canadians, which made my situation even worse. Therefore, I had to ask people I knew for help to solve problems that were never a problem before, but slowly, things came together and problems got solved.

In addition, I was having a hard time emotionally due to being apart from my family and friends. At the beginning of my stay, my life was full of loneliness and homesickness caused by the fact that I could not see those close to me. It was the first time that staying alone in a strange environment made me feel vulnerable. However, I tried to overcome these feelings that weakened my will to study, and I tried not to forget the goals I wanted to achieve for my future. I focused more on school activities like group study and working out. Eventually, I managed to make good friends and had great times that made unforgettable memories. I encountered new problems in a new environment, but I pushed myself to get by and enjoyed the moment.

There was a time when I wanted to get a part-time job. If I had been in Korea, I would have gotten one easily, but in Toronto, it is difficult for people like me who did not have any working experience in Canada to get a job. I first applied online but didn’t receive any response for a month. So, I decided to stop sitting on my chair and go out to face the world. I just walked into all the stores or restaurants in my neighborhood and handed them my resume in person. Although some shops were not hiring, I just entered, introduced myself, and left my resume on the counter. Fortunately, my strategy worked, and I was hired at a milk tea shop called “Gongcha.” I made so many good friends and had so many memorable times working at Gongcha. If I had just stayed at home and continued to apply online, just as I had done in Korea, I would not have gotten a job. Pushing myself to initiate action gave me better results.

Looking back on 2016, I changed a lot in that I now worry less and take more initiative. Thanks to all the problems that I confronted after arriving in Toronto, I learned that the best way to overcome obstacles is to face them and tackle them by pushing myself, not avoiding them. No matter how difficult the situation is or how big an obstacle may be, don’t forget to keep pushing until it is overcome!

The Author Kim Dohyung is a passionate aircraft technician who loves music and exercising. He is also interested in cultural differences and global issues. Instagram: @davyyyyyyy_