Here is Upma's story in her own words: 

I immigrated to Canada from Mumbai, India in the cold of brutal winter on Dec 3, 2003 with two small pieces of luggage, little money in my pockets and lots of dreams in my heart. I had no help but the universal and vibrant spirit of downtown Toronto, which made me feel very much at home.

I started my job search the first morning and for 3 days I roamed the streets of downtown. Everyone had the same response “Sorry, you don’t have Canadian work experience”. Soon my search turned into a struggle to sustain myself as whatever money I brought was precious with no source of income.

I looked for cheaper accommodation and renting an apartment was the only solution. Without a guarantor or two pieces of valid Canadian identification I was unable to rent. Banks refused to open accounts and it seemed that nothing was working out!

ith some luck I came across the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre the next week. This was the turning point for my life in Canada. The volunteers shared their experiences and knowledge and gave me hope. To this day I thank the volunteers for being a guiding light to many immigrants like myself.

The following Monday I met with the hiring personnel in the State Bank of India Canada and got my first break. I started my first job in Toronto as the receptionist. With this the wheel started spinning and I could open bank accounts and rent an apartment. Within a month I was hired as administrative assistant in the credit department and started a part time job handling accounts for a small business owner.

It’s been four years and now I am a proud citizen of Canada. I have advanced my career and worked for three leading Banks in Canada and have recently been promoted again.

I’ve learned many lessons too and now I would like to share them with the community by becoming a YMCA volunteer and helping newcomers to Canada. I would be proud if I am able to bring a positive change or make a difference in someone’s life as once someone did for me.

I would like to close by saying that dare to dream and have the zeal to go get them against any odds, as the song goes “we shall overcome, we shall overcome, and deep in my heart I do believe that we shall overcome one day.”