From Newcomer to Educator: My Journey in Newfoundland and Labrador When I first arrived in Canada just three years ago, I had no idea how challenging and rewarding this journey would be. My first job was in a local Japanese restaurant, far from the profession I had known and loved. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of hard work. I later became a community interpreter with the Association for New Canadians, helping newcomers navigate everything from medical appointments to school registrations. From there, I transitioned into a role as a settlement officer, supporting families as they adjusted to life in Newfoundland and Labrador. These roles allowed me to give back while also reconnecting with my passion for language, learning, and human connection. It took time, long and often difficult, to have my degree from my home country evaluated, complete the necessary steps to earn my teaching certification, and re-enter the classroom. But I never gave up. Today, I proudly work as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher in the public school system. I bring to my classroom not just academic skills, but real-life understanding of what it means to be new, to feel different, and to build a life from scratch. Also, I am about to complete my Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Studies here in Canada. Right after that, I will begin a Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership, with the goal of starting my PhD journey soon after. I finally feel "in my place", doing work that matters, in a field I love. This post is for those who may feel lost and unvaluable today. I know that feeling, I lived it. But I also know that if you have a goal and keep moving forward, the obstacles start to feel smaller. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet people along the way who supported me, believed in me, and helped me reach where I am today. You’re not alone. Keep going. You matter.