Aurelia arrived in Canada only a short time ago, but she is already well on her way to building a new life.  She is grateful to the YMCA for their continuous help and support.  Here is Aurelia’s story, in her own words:

I came from Romania seven months ago, following my husband into a world completely unknown to me. I let behind my family, my friends, my country, my career and my life. I was very scared and I didn't know how to start my new life. The cultural shock was strong.

I decided to go to YMCA for a LINC assessment test and discovered that I could become a YMCA Volunteer. It was a shine of hope for my heart, soul and mind and would be my first steps in this new world.

After enrolling in the LINC program and building my confidence, I applied to become a YMCA volunteer. I quickly discovered that I share the YMCA’s values: to respect and help each other and to work together to create a better world for everybody.  I wanted to give back the help and support I had received to the YMCA.

I was extremely happy when I was asked to come for an interview at the Newcomer Information Centre.  I started this wonderful experience only a month ago, but I can already tell you that I am a completely different person.

It is hard for me to describe in words what I felt when one of the specialists told me: "Wow, how organized you are; this is a very good skill that you have!''.  It is wonderful to hear newcomers tell me "Thank you, you really helped us!", to lead tours of the YMCA to newcomers just like me or give needed information.  I have already had the opportunity to train new volunteers and share my knowledge.

This is like a real job.  I spend five hours a day here at reception and in the resource centre, but the hours fly by.  I know that every day I do something useful. 

The YMCA staff is so friendly and they consider me part of the team. I will always be grateful to YMCA for the opportunity to prove that I am a person with a great potential and the chance to help other people.

As a newcomers, this is exactly what I need to become self confident, to believe in my potential, to improve my English skills, to make new friends and to be myself.  I realize that I can succeed in this new world.   We as newcomers to Canada have to fight for our goals, but we cannot forget that it doesn't matter how difficult the path, we are not alone.  We will always find a family here at YMCA.