National Adult Literacy Database

June 28, 1999

This story was written by Ted Fung, from Banff, Alberta. Ted is originally from Hong Kong, from a family of nine people, including his parents, two sisters and two brothers, as well as a grandfather. He took part in the Bow Valley Literacy Program, out of the Banff Public Library. Ted is presently working in the service industry in Banff.

A New Opportunity

by Ted Fung

I was born into a family with eight other people, my grandfather, parents, two elder sisters, one elder brother, one younger brother and one younger sister. I lived in Hong Kong for 26 years, but now I have come to Canada. That is why I am here.

In Hong Kong, I saw so many people emigrating to other countries as 1997 approached. They all fear that when China takes over Hong Kong, things will get worse. Their anxiety is understandable. However, in my opinion, things will not change drastically as long as China's reforms keep going. You may ask, "Hey, Ted, if you think Hong Kong will keep stable and prosperous, why don't you stay there?" My answer is simple. I just want to learn and touch the western culture so that's why I am here.

When I came, I soon got a job. I became a waiter in a restaurant named the Silver Dragon in Banff. Banff is a very famous sightseeing spot in Canada or even in the world. Every year a lot of tourists come from everywhere to enjoy the scenery. Especially in summer, it reaches its peak time and you will see people from different nations walking around the streets. I stay in Banff as my boss provides a staff house for us. To save transportation time, the staff will stay here, and will only go back to their home in Calgary on holiday. Having worked in this restaurant for half a year, I have made a lot of friends who I cherish. I must say that living in Canada lets me widen my knowledge.

Now I always tell myself that I have to make use of this opportunity to learn more and better myself. I should grab every opportunity since time is valuable.

[This story was taken with permission from the Bow Valley Literacy Program's 10th Anniversary collection of stories, published in 1997.]