From Albania to Canada: A Story of Perseverance and Success

At Anderson College, we are constantly amazed by the courage of our students, faculty, and staff. In December 2021 we ran a “My Courageous Moment” story-gathering campaign to celebrate our students, their strength, the moments that have defined their lives and the people who have motivated them to overcome and succeed.

In sharing our stories, we realize we are not alone and are often inspired to recognize, or to find, our own extraordinary courage. We hope the following story moves you, as it has our Anderson family.

My name is Saimira and I come from Albania. I chose to immigrate to Canada for a better life. When I first arrived here, I thought it would be easy, but the reality hit me when I actually started living here. It was very hard to be away from my family and all alone in another country that I knew nothing about. It got to a point that when I drank alcohol for the first time in my life, I ended up in a hospital; that’s when I told myself that I had to be strong, something had to change.

“So, I started to work not one but three jobs. I got myself a lawyer and started my documentation work for becoming a permanent resident in Canada.”

So, I started to work not one but three jobs. I got myself a lawyer and started my documentation work for becoming a permanent resident in Canada. Knowing no English, having no friends, and with no idea what was going to happen, I still kept going every day. Every time I tried to check with my lawyer about my case, he would ask me for money. Hence, I really had to be careful and account for every single penny while making sure I was on time for my bills and lawyer expenses.

I don’t know how I did it to be honest, but I paid my lawyer $20,000 dollars. I was so stressed and tired that I got sick for three days. I thought I needed to stop working three jobs so I kept only two jobs because I couldn’t afford everything with just one job. I had no choice. Then the happy moment happened, I got my permanent residence and all the stress disappeared.

“When COVID-19 hit, I sat down and thought about starting school, as I love working with kids … I started the process and here I am, and I made it all by myself.”

However, when COVID-19 hit, I sat down and thought about starting school as I love working with kids. I continued the search during my time off and found out about Anderson College as they have courses for pursuing a career as a childhood assistant. I started the process and here I am, and I made it all by myself.

Looking back to where I was and considering where I am now, it feels amazing. This is my story and I hope to offer inspiration with it. I never gave up and kept fighting no matter what. If I can do it, so can you!

Saimira S.

If you’re looking to take your life to new levels, can see yourself caring for and empowering little ones to be their best, but are still exploring whether this career may be for you, take our “Early Childhood Educator Career Discovery Quiz”.

If you’re ready to begin, learn the details about our Early Childcare Assistant programs or any of our other 30+ leading-edge programs and then book a virtual appointment with our Admissions team. You have the drive and passion to succeed, our Anderson College team is privileged to offer you the training, skills and support to simply empower you to prove that you can.