As an immigrant myself, I know first hand what it is like to live this experience. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to travel from my native country of Jordan to North America, complete my education, and have the privilege to live, work, and eventually become a proud Canadian Citizen. My journey was not an easy one by any means and while it has been a long 16 years, looking back at it and seeing where I am now, I am thankful for each and every experience. More importantly, I am thankful for the support systems that I was surrounded by and allowed me to get to where I am today.
Leaving the country that I grew up in and was all I knew, to learning a new language, culture, a new way of living and becoming an active member of y new community is definitely not an easy endeavour. However, from my experience I’ve learned it is a possible one when you have a great support system and an extremely welcoming community, like Windsor-Essex. My decision to sit on this committee stems from the fact that I personally know the struggles of immigrating to a new land and that my experiences would allow me to be a helpful resource to the committee and the project itself.
WE Value means a lot to me because I know it will change the intake process for newcomers, something very much needed at this time. Working with newcomer families in the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, I can see that major changes to this process need to happen in order for us to assist newcomers better. As well as the founder of a local not for profit organization, my eyes have been opened to the variety of issues facing the youth in this region. Working with youth has given me a better success and contribution to our society. Being part of the WE Value committee allows me to share my perspective and what I have gained from my own experience to hopefully improve the supports that the committee will be able to offer.
Rama Musharbash-Kovacsi
