Self-confidence means seeing yourself as a smart and important person. It also means strongly believing in yourself in order to face and resolve any difficulties in your life. For example, people who move to a new country can develop new skills, accept new challenges, and find new freedoms.
In my experience, I feel more confident and have gotten freedom since I came to Canada. For instance, when I was in Pakistan, I lived in a village and didn’t see roads or traffic. I always went shopping, to the doctor or any far distances with my mother or sister. I did not go anywhere alone, not even to cousins’ homes, but in Canada my life is totally changed. I feel confident to go everywhere by myself. When I came to Canada my English was not very good, and everything was different, such as lifestyle, environment, and people. But I did not give up. It was difficult to go somewhere without a cell phone but I did not think about myself or getting lost. I was just thinking about my goal to find a place to continue my education, and I was successful in finding the best place to continue my education at Mohawk College. I also found a family doctor and took on many other responsibilities, such as studying, and working. It was hard but I trusted my ability and I became successful.
I had a strange experience in Canada. When I came to Mohawk College by myself, it was really hard to find my way there because I did not a have cell phone or internet, and also I did not understand the bus route. The first time that I came to Mohawk College, I saw a Korean girl on the bus route. She had a Mohawk card and I asked her for help. She was a really nice and friendly girl. She took me to Mohawk. When I entered Mohawk, it was really strange, and felt very big. I was confused and told myself that it was impossible to find my way in here. Then I closed my eyes for a moment and told myself: “Be strong. Don’t be afraid. People in Canada are kind and helpful. Be confident ask people for help.” Then I opened my eyes and asked the Korean girl for more help.
Next, I learned new skills as a volunteer for ESL Voices in June. For example, I wrote long articles for ESL Voices. I was thinking how and where to type my articles because I do not have a computer at home, and I don’t know how to type. The day that we had an ESL Voices meeting, the teacher helping us told us that she received many articles for ESL Voices but she did not receive the articles from some of us. I felt bad and told her that I didn’t have a computer at home. She told me to go to the library. I got help from one of my teachers to do some typing in the computer lab. Then I went to the Mohawk library and typed my articles with the help of students in the library. It was difficult to ask students because I had never used a computer to type. But I believed and assured myself that I could type and that I would be successful.
To conclude my article I would like to suggest that you always trust and tell yourself that everything is possible. Always be patient and believe in your ability, and try to set a goal that you know you can achieve. The more you achieve your small goals, the sooner you will get your bigger goal. I have achieved my small goals many times. Now I feel proud of my confidence, and more comfortable than in the past.
Marzia Akbari is currently a student in the LINC for Youth Video Project and takes extra classes in reading and math. In addition, she works part-time as a server in a restaurant. She plans to study in a program at Mohawk College in the future. She will continue writing!
