Code, Family, and Dreams: Challenges of an Immigrant Engineer

By: Prashant Paudel

When I made the life-altering decision to leave behind my career as a Senior Software Engineer at Cotiviti Nepal Pvt. Ltd. and embark on a journey to Canada, I knew I was stepping into a world of immense challenges and opportunities. My goal was clear: to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Full Stack Software Development at Lambton College and broaden my horizons in a global setting. Little did I know that this journey would test every fiber of my being, pushing me to limits I never thought possible and ultimately leading to a transformation that would inspire not just myself, but those around me.

The most gut-wrenching aspect of my journey was leaving behind my beloved family – my wife, our precious five-year-old daughter, and my supportive parents. As a father, the pain of separation from my little girl was almost unbearable. Every night, as I tucked myself into bed in a foreign land, my heart ached for the bedtime stories I couldn't read to her, the hugs I couldn't give, and the milestones I was missing. The weight of this sacrifice was a constant companion, pushing me to question my decisions in moments of weakness.

But it was precisely this pain that fueled my determination. Every struggle, every moment of doubt, was countered by the image of my daughter's smile and the promise of a brighter future I was building for her. This wasn't just about my career; it was about creating a legacy of resilience and determination for my child.

Juggling Act

Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic program with a part-time job as a restaurant cook at Catalyst Kitchen was a herculean task. The long hours on my feet in the kitchen, followed by late nights poring over code and assignments, left me physically and mentally exhausted. Yet, even in my most tired moments, I found myself planning video calls with my daughter, trying to bridge the gap of thousands of miles with pixels.

There were days when the pressure seemed insurmountable. Juggling work shifts, study sessions, and trying to be present for my family back home pushed me to my limits. I remember nights when I'd collapse into bed, my body aching from work, my mind reeling from complex coding problems, only to be jolted awake by the realization that I had missed my daughter's call due to the time difference. These moments of guilt and longing were the true tests of my resolve.

Turning Challenges into Stepping Stones

Despite the overwhelming challenges, I refused to let my circumstances define me. Instead, I chose to view each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. The demanding kitchen work taught me invaluable lessons in time management and stress handling. The rigorous academic program at Lambton College pushed me to expand my technical skills far beyond what I thought possible. My experiences as a father, even from afar, infused every aspect of my journey with purpose. When faced with a particularly challenging coding project, I'd think of my daughter and how proud she would be of her father for persevering. This motivation drove me to achieve a GPA of 3.6, a testament to the power of love and determination.

The pivotal moment came during my final semester when I secured a co-op position at Xennial Innovations Inc. This opportunity was more than just a job; it validated every sacrifice, sleepless night, and moment spent away from my family. As I transitioned from a co-op student to a full-time QA Engineer, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and gratitude.

A Message of Hope

My journey from an international student and father struggling with separation to a successful QA Engineer in Canada is more than just a personal story. It's a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. To every parent out there making sacrifices for their family's future, to every student pushing through sleepless nights, and to every immigrant fighting for their dreams in a new land, your struggles are valid, your sacrifices are noble, and your perseverance will pay off.

The day I was finally reunited with my wife and daughter at the end of April was the culmination of my journey. Holding my little girl in my arms after so long, seeing how much she had grown, and witnessing the pride in my wife's eyes made every hardship worthwhile. This moment of joy was not just a personal victory but a testament to the power of family, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Remember, the road may be tough, the nights may be long, and the separation may be painful, but with determination, support, and love, you can overcome any obstacle. Your struggles today are laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow for you and your loved ones.

As I continue to grow in my career and as a father, I carry with me the lessons learned from this incredible journey. I am living proof that with passion, perseverance, and the love of family as your guiding star, you can turn your dreams into reality, no matter how distant they may seem.