Executive Coach | Team Facilitator | Speaker | Leadership Development Expert ?? | Ex- Product Leader & Data Scientist ??
Last week my 18 year old cousin who I never met before arrived from Ukraine ????? to Canada?????? as a refugee. And it got so emotional… Me: “What year were you born?” Him: “2004”? My jaw dropped This is the same year I came to Canada. I was almost the same age when I left my parents in Belarus and joined my brother.? And memories from the last 18 years flashed:? *My first job for cash where I never really saw the cash I earned *My second job at Tim Hortons when my head was hearting every single day from the drive through and constant buzz of foreign language *Preparing for my TOEFL exam on the floor of Indigo because I could not afford the books but would still squeeze in a nice coffee? *The bullying working at a family run restaurant? *Being treated as stupid?because I did not know that tissues and Kleenex was the same thing *One day not being able to get up because of sciatica?earned by my waitressing job * Being rejected into University of Waterloo * Finding my way into my dream program by naively showing up with translated papers on @Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University campus and literally knocking on the admission councillors doors? *Working so hard for my marks hoping they will open doors for me one day *Being sick every single round of final exams *Studying my business books by heart, word by word *Nailing my first co-op job from a 2nd interview *Fighting stereotypes working in a manufacturing facility? *Feeling worthless because of heavy accent? *Crying in a work closet for being called a mail-ordered bride *Getting a bill for a dental appointment which I could not pay for(Thanks big bro!)? *Graduating with two degrees on a Dean’s Honours List and a signed job offer at Capital One *Being diagnosed with thyroid cancer the summer of my graduation (All ended up ok!) *Starting on stress management journey *Getting my 1st promotion within 2 years *Getting harsh feedback around my direct no-BS anxiety provoking for many style? *Taking a sabbatical with my 1st 10 day silent meditation training? *Getting married, buying a house, having my 1st child, bringing my parents over, motherhood wins and losses, job changes *Losing myself, finding myself, another sabbatical? *Becoming a caregiver for my mom with cancer *Insomnia, Anxiety, Burnout? *Becoming a coach *Starting my own business *Bringing my daughter into the world? *Increasing my impact in organizations every.single.day? Whoever needs to hear this #1: You are more resilient & resourceful than you think! #2: Despite many as..oles, there are many kind people willing to help.Ask for it. #3: Rejection means nothing, keep moving. Me “making it” is not just about me. It’s about role modelling what is possible, leading the way, and now having the privilege of helping others braving the change. Always reach out if I can be of any help. #ukrainerefugees #immigration #coaching #leadership #canada #life #kindness #resilience #help
I am so glad you shared what your immigrant story was coming to Canada. Canadians talk about how open we are but don't realize how incredibly challenging it is for immigrants to re-start their lives here. As hiring managers we need to be more open to welcoming diverse talent into our organizations.
No doubt, you will lead your cousin by example set by yourself. So great?
Thank you for sharing your story. I can't imagine the strength it must have taken to overcome all that you have, but your words offered me insight and made me humbled and grateful. This picture has so much joy and love, not to mention strength. Thank you, and welcome to your cousin, may he find his way and know that what he has overcome already is truly admirable.
Thank you Nataliya for sharing your story. I'm sorry that you experienced such hardship and stress, though I'm glad that it shaped you into the person you are today. It would have been easy to be broken rather than built up by those experiences. And what a great pic of you and your cousin!
Nataliya, Thank you for helping us all look back at our lives' ups and downs as resilience training - and seeing how it all culminates into who we are today. What a journey you've been on! Your cousin is so incredibly fortunate to have you as a role model during his own future journey of up and downs here in the U.S. Sounds like he's in good hands.
Very motivation and will inspire many.
Наташенька, какая же ты умничка! Твоя энергия и позитивное отношение к людям было заметно уже в университете! Очень рада за тебя!
Sr. Distinguished Engineer at Capital One
2 年Wow I'm humbled and inspired by your journey, thank you so much for sharing. I'm sorry you've had so much hardship in your lift, I hope it's all roses and sunshine from here on out!