Meet Shambhavi, a newcomer to British Columbia who enjoys learning, helping others, and being part of the community. She moved to Canada from India and has lived in both Quebec and BC. Shambhavi joined the Library Champions Project and now volunteers with Coquitlam Public Library. She loves sharing helpful information with other newcomers. With a background in medical writing, she is always looking for new ways to grow and support people in her new home.
Starting Fresh and Finding Community in BC
I moved to British Columbia from Quebec about two years ago. Before that, I had immigrated to Canada from India six years ago. My journey across provinces was largely influenced by my desire for a milder and more stable climate, and I found that here in BC.
There are parts of India I’ll always miss—the rich variety of vegetarian culinary options, the diverse agricultural produce, and the easy and quick access to healthcare. But Canada has offered me so much to love in return: stunning natural scenery with fresh air, respectful and polite social behaviour, and opportunities for personal growth.
My Experience with the Library Champions Project
When I moved to BC, I became involved with the Library Champions Project. This three-month volunteer program introduced me to the full range of libraries services. I received training in communication and outreach, and I developed personal outreach plans to connect with fellow newcomers through presentations, one-on-one conversations, and social media.
Helping Others Through Outreach
The most impactful aspect of this project is its ripple effect—it empowers newcomers to become familiar with local services and resources, and once they become ‘Champions’ they, in turn, help other newcomers navigate public services and feel more connected and at home in their new community.
I actively participated in outreach initiatives to share information with those who might not be aware of the resources available to them. I interacted with people from various backgrounds, gaining broader cultural awareness and sensitivity. The experience deepened my understanding of community needs and introduced me to the opportunity to actively contribute as a member of the Library’s Community Advisory Group.
Volunteering at Coquitlam Public Library
Coquitlam Public Library (CPL) wasn’t new to me. I regularly attend workshops, nature walks, and cultural events at the library to stay engaged and informed. It’s really inspiring to see how libraries are evolving. CPL offers a wealth of resources that go beyond books—the discovery lab, digitization services, and community programs. I find the Library Link mobile service particularly interesting, as it extends library access to neighborhoods across Coquitlam, making resources more accessible to the entire community.
In terms of my volunteering experience, I have worked with CPL in different capacities. One role was through the Library Champions Project, where I was involved in outreach activities. This gave me the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with visitors, share information about library services, and build strong connections within the neighborhood community. I had the chance to interact with people from diverse professions, cultures, and age groups—an experience that was both enriching and informative.
Currently, I serve as a member of the Community Advisory Group, which allows me to contribute insights aimed at enhancing library services. This role is a valuable opportunity to support the CPL staff’s decision-making process around programs and initiatives, drawing from my experience and community engagement.
How Libraries in BC Are Different
Libraries have always been a place of comfort and curiosity for me. I used to spend hours exploring resources at the Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal, Quebec. When I moved to BC, I discovered that the public libraries in the two provinces have a different approach to service delivery. Public libraries in Quebec are generally more governed by the province and focus on the preservation and promotion of French-Canadian culture and heritage. In BC, the system is more decentralized. Libraries operate independently to serve their local communities. Although they primarily serve English-speaking populations, many offer multilingual resources to cater to their multicultural residents. For example, CPL offers materials and Story Times in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean, Persian, and Spanish, ensuring that library resources are accessible to a broad audience.
My Journey as a Medical Writer
After completing my Master’s in Pharmacy, I started in a techno-commercial role, which I secured through a campus placement. I spent a couple of years conducting laboratory experiments, collaborating with the business development team to provide technical support while evaluating market trends and customer requirements for successful product demonstrations. My move to a new city prompted a career shift into medical writing—a field that allowed me to leverage my understanding of scientific principles and medical terminology. My experience included documenting experimental procedures, conducting thorough literature searches, and analyzing results translated well into the role of a medical writer, where clear and precise communication of scientific information is essential. I worked as a medical writer for 5 years, as part of an in-house team in India and as a freelancer in Canada. Effective communication and collaboration have been vital in all my professional roles.
I am currently exploring adjacent paths where I can apply my skills in new ways, but I remain open to returning if the right opportunity comes along.
What I Would Tell My Past Self and Advice for New Canadians
If I could go back and offer myself one piece of advice before immigrating, it would be this: Start building your network early—qualifications alone aren’t enough.
To others who are new to Canada, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t rush to conclusions about the culture—what you experience may reflect individual personalities or specific situations rather than broader social norms.
- Learning from others is helpful, but your journey is your own.
- Be the person today that your future self will be proud of—not regret.
- Get out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and trust your resilience—you’ve already made the bold choice to start a new life.
- Every failure is either a lesson or a shield against future mishaps.
Finding Balance and Staying Open
Don’t limit yourself to just your home community. Every country, every province has its own unique culture, so be open to exchanging ideas and experiences. At the same time, adapting doesn’t mean abandoning your values or the positive aspects of your own culture. Striking a perfect balance is key. That’s how we remain united, connected, and diverse. You may be surprised at how much we all share as human beings. Stay open-minded.