From Small Town to Big City: A Story of Determination

 This edition is little different - HOW? Read this….

Hint: Story Time

Growing up in a small town in northern India, life was predictable. The days were spent within the narrow streets, lined with houses that had seen generations grow up and grow old. Most people in the town were content with their simple lives - rarely dreaming of leaving. But there was always a longing to look beyond, a yearning for something bigger. There was a desire to prove that more was possible, a need to make a name in the world.

Abbotsford, Canada became the distant dream - a city so far away (exact in numbers would be 11,150kms), yet full of promise. The decision to leave everything familiar behind wasn’t easy. It meant saying goodbye to family, friends, and the comforts of home. But the burning desire inside couldn’t be ignored, and soon, a one-way ticket was purchased, a suitcase packed, and a heart filled with ambition set out to an unfamiliar land.

Arriving in Vancouver was overwhelming. The city’s size, the constant motion—it was all so foreign. Towering buildings seemed to swallow everything in sight, and the faces that rushed past on the streets were all strangers. It was a world so vastly different from home, and there was no one to fall back on. It felt like being a small fish in an ocean, with no one to turn to for guidance.

The first days were rough. Finding work in a restaurant, washing dishes, and cleaning up after long shifts became the reality. The pay barely covered rent, and there was little left for anything else. Most nights, it was easier to skip meals just to save a few extra dollars, and going out to eat felt like a luxury far out of reach. Yet even after long, grueling days, the fire within refused to go out. There was no room for quitting—not after coming this far.

One step at a time, progress was made. Shifts were picked up, weekends worked, and every penny saved. Slowly, opportunities started to open up. A better job came along—one that didn’t just pay more but also allowed for growth. Connections were made with others, both immigrants and locals, and new possibilities began to emerge. The city, once daunting, started to feel less intimidating and more like a place where dreams could take shape.

Eventually, the move was made to the heart of the city, closer to the action and the possibilities. The struggles weren’t over, but they had changed. The focus shifted from worrying about survival to thinking about the future—building something that could last. The fear of not making it was replaced by an eagerness to succeed.

I did lack behind on this but personal growth wasn’t neglected. Going to the gym, reading books and deepened understanding. Meaningful conversations were had with those who challenged old ways of thinking, bringing personal development to the forefront.

Every day brought a step closer to the person that had been dreamed of. What began as a simple desire to escape the limitations of a small town had turned into a journey of self-discovery and success. The challenges faced had forged resilience and wisdom.

And yet, through it all, humility remained. The journey was far from over—many mountains still lay ahead. But the distance traveled was undeniable. The realization had come that no matter where you start, with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. The circumstances of the past didn’t define the future.

Now, looking back, there was something to prove not just to the world but to oneself—that with hard work, belief, and a little bit of faith, dreams can indeed be realized. The future still held uncertainty, but the journey had shown that the path forward, no matter how difficult, was worth every step. The best days were still ahead, and with a sense of purpose and unwavering belief, anything was possible.

And that is the story of an international student who just came to a new foreign land with lots of good hope.

Hey Awesome Readers, GUESS WHAT?

We also host Audio Podcast every month, which comes with real talks with real people who just came like one of you (some 3yrs, some 5yrs & some 10yrs ago but journey continues)

In this 2nd episode of the "Canada Connect by Neeraj Canada" podcast, we welcome Nikhil Sharma, a resident of Amritsar, India, who shares his inspiring journey from being an international student to achieving Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada in just three years. Nikhil hit the PR jackpot through the Student-to-PR pathway and navigated his way through a new life in Canada with hard work, determination, and smart planning. He talks about his student life, moving cities and provinces after getting his PR, and his current studies at a university in Ottawa. Tune in to hear Nikhil's story and gain valuable insights and motivation on how to make the most of your experience as an international student in Canada. Click me to listen - Nikhil Sharma - Amritsar to Ottawa (HINDI)

• Listen to our very 1st episode here SPOTIFY → Episode1 Kalpit Kothari - Mumbai to Vancouver HINDI

• Listen to our very 1st episode here YOUTUBE → Episode1 Kalpit Kothari - Mumbai to Vancouver HINDI

Featured place of the month

The Butchart Gardens is a 120-year-old world famous 55-acre display garden located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. Created by Jennie Butchart, and still privately owned and operated by the family, The Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, in 2004 for its one hundredth birthday.

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