National Adult Literacy Database

March 14, 2005

This story was written by Irene, a student in the ELSA Program at Delview Centre in B.C.

 

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A New Life

by Irene (Hui-Ling Huang)

Before two years ago, I couldn't imagine how I could live without the whole entire family living together, but now I am here, with my only child. Living in Canada where it is totally different lifestyle from my native country - Taiwan. The environment, culture, language, education, food, life, anthem etc are completely different for me.

I have been in Canada only for one and a half years. When my husband and I decided to emigrate to Canada, I quit my job that I had already been involved with for twenty-one years. To become a fulltime mother and live in western country are a big challenge to me, but I always look forward to this new life every day.

Being in Canada, I usually discover lots of new experiences that can always refresh and please me. For instance, within the first year I learned how to drive a car. I had got through tough tests, finally I gained the precious drivers license. I was a landscape designer, but I seldom did the garden work by myself. In Canada, I have to take care of my garden from nothing to something by myself. I am glad that it is getting better. Now I have often received my neighbour's and friends' approval. Learning to cook is one of my challenges. I am surprised that in Canada most housewives can bake a cake or cookies. Most of my friends can serve a whole delicious and good looking meal. Therefore I've always been a guest not a hostess.

The most important and difficult challenges are speaking, writing and reading English fluently. It is my main target. I am struggling right now, but it seems not enough.

I'm going to try harder to make a better, high quality and new life in Canada.