Moving to a new country is never easy, but the right support can make all the difference. When Sha arrived in BC, she faced the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, finding work, and rebuilding her career. She volunteered as a Library Champion with NewToBC. Through this experience and her connection settlement support organizations, she gained confidence, stepped out of her comfort zone, and eventually secured a job at the North Vancouver District Public Library.
In this blog, Sha shares her journey of starting over in BC, the challenges she faced, and the incredible support that helped her along the way, as she tells us about: My Journey to a New Life in BC: How Community Support Made All the Difference.
Adjusting to Life in the Lower Mainland
I moved from China to BC in 2022. My decision to relocate was primarily for my child, who has special needs and was struggling in the education system. I wanted to provide him with better support and opportunities.
The best part of moving to the Lower Mainland is the breathtaking natural scenery—just stunning. However, adjusting to a new country came with its challenges, from adapting to a different culture and language to navigating daily life. Despite this, the supportive community and beautiful environment have made the journey worthwhile.
Becoming a Library Champion
I joined the Library Champions Project because I’ve been passionate about libraries since I was a child. As an introverted kid, the library was my favorite place to go, always something new to discover and learn.
During my time as a Library Champion, I also volunteered at S.U.C.C.E.S.S., a nonprofit organization that supports new immigrants. When walk-in clients needed help, I provided them with information and introduced them to library resources in their neighborhoods. Additionally, I visited LINC classes at the branch. With the teacher’s permission, I spoke with students during breaks, introducing them to the library’s resources and the Library Champion Project. My goal was to encourage them to explore what libraries in BC can offer.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
What I enjoyed most about the Library Champions was the outreach part. As an introverted person, I don’t naturally talk to strangers, so stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging with people was a real challenge. However, it was also a valuable learning experience that helped me grow.
Discovering the Role of Libraries in BC
I was surprised by how much a library can offer beyond books. Libraries here are truly community hubs in BC, connecting people with knowledge, resources, and shared interests. The variety of programs they offer is incredible—there is always something for everyone, from babies to seniors.
Working at the Library
I currently work as an on-call Circulation Assistant at the North Vancouver District Public Library. Shifts are limited, but it’s still a good opportunity to learn and gain experience. My role primarily involves handling books, checking them in and out, processing holds for patrons, and keeping materials organized. It requires some physical effort, such as shelving and moving books.
My Career Before Moving to Canada
Before moving to Canada, I worked as a book editor at a publishing house, where I was responsible for editing and refining content. I also did social media marketing to promote books and engage with readers.
The Role of Settlement Support Organizations
The staff at settlement support organizations have been some of the most helpful and understanding people I’ve met in Canada. Many of them are immigrants too, so they truly understand the challenges newcomers face.
Organizations like ISSofBC, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., MOSAIC, and of course, NewToBC, have been incredibly supportive. Their programs and resources make a difference in helping immigrants adjust to life in Canada.
The Reality of Starting Over
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it’s never easy. I wasn’t the type of immigrant who “brought cash to BC,” so the transition was even more challenging than I expected. Simple things in my home country suddenly became difficult here. Submitting 100 job applications without getting an interview is common.
It’s important to prepare to start over. Your past achievements will not carry the same weight in Canada, and you might need to rebuild from the ground up. There will be challenges, barriers, and moments of frustration, but resilience is key. Stay strong, keep pushing forward.
Lessons Learned
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to never stop learning. There is always something new to discover, and failures are part of the process. Don’t be afraid to fail—every challenge is an opportunity to grow. We are stronger than we think, and there is always a way forward. I’ve come to appreciate that progress isn’t always linear, and setbacks don’t define our future. With patience, and the right support, we can create a new life, step by step.