MEET MARIA
Growing Up in Nigeria
A Journey of Determination: From Nigeria to the UK to Canada, here is my story.
Nigeria, the mighty giant of Africa, where John’s extraordinary journey began. Born and raised in the vibrant heart of Lagos, he was destined for greatness amidst the challenges of Africa’s most populous nation. From his tender years, John shimmered as a brilliant student, carrying within him an unwavering dream—to become a Medical Doctor and change lives. With a heart full of hope, he completed his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry.
Yet, the world around him conspired to dim his light, trapping him in a teaching role at a local secondary school. Where his meager pay barely lasted a month and his aspirations felt suffocated under the weight of unfulfilled promises.
One fateful morning, as John lingered in quiet despair, he heard whispers of success. A friend, armed with a second class upper degree, had snagged a scholarship for a Master’s in the UK. A beacon of hope in John’s darkening world. That spark ignited something profound within him. With renewed vigor, he reached out to his friend for wisdom. Thus, the arduous journey of determination—a journey that would sweep him from the warm embrace of Nigeria to the uncharted realms of the UK and beyond—began.
Pursuing a Master’s Degree in the UK
Through tenacity that knew no bounds, John wove his way through countless cold emails, and threads of heartfelt exchanges with professors worldwide. Finally, his perseverance bore glorious fruit. A fully funded scholarship that whisked him away to the UK. Where he eagerly clutched a student visa to embark on a Master’s degree in Public Health. The academic world was a whirlwind of challenges and delights, rich with diverse cultures and vibrant ideas that fueled his passion and expanded his horizons.
Upon graduation, the healthcare sector opened its arms to him, and John stepped into a world that promised to make a difference.
Challenges in the UK with a Student Visa from Nigeria
But life under the British sky was no fairy tale. For John, it was a battleground filled with obstacles. The chains of his student visa bound him to strict work limits, suffocating his efforts to gain the vital experience he craved. The financial burdens heaved heavily upon his shoulders, as the sky-high living costs and tuition fees threatened to drown his dreams. And as the clock ticked relentlessly towards the expiration of his work permit. The haunting specter of deportation loomed ever closer, piercing his hope with anxiety.
The walls closed in, and it became clear: he needed a permanent refuge to build the life he longed for. Thus, his journey turned northward towards the promise of Canada.
Applying for Canadian Express Entry to get my Permanent Residency
Before leaving Nigeria, fate had already lent him a hand—John had applied for the Canadian Express Entry program, a choice that would alter the course of his life. He bravely navigated the intricate process with fierce determination:
1. Eligibility Check: John meticulously validated his qualifications, ensuring he met every requirement—his age, education, work experience, and language proficiency—no detail was overlooked.
2. Creating an Express Entry Profile: With care, he crafted an online profile, pouring his heart into every word that spoke of his education, experience, and dreams.
3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Each piece of information melded into a score that could shatter barriers and open doors—higher scores meant closer opportunities to his dreams.
4. Job Offer and Provincial Nomination: While not a necessity, they were golden tickets. John tirelessly networked, exploring opportunities through LinkedIn and job portals, illuminating potential paths to success.
5. Invitation to Apply (ITA): After months of unwavering perseverance, the moment arrived—an ITA for permanent residence gleamed like a lighthouse guiding him home.
6. Submitting Documents: With nervous excitement, he gathered every required document, each one a testament to his journey:
– Passport
– Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
– Proof of work experience
– Language test results
– Police clearance certificate
– Medical examination results
– Proof of funds (stories of preparation meeting favor would unfold another day)
7. Application Review and Decision: The waiting was agonizing, but patience is a virtue. Finally, the day he received his Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) marked a pivotal triumph, a dream resurrected.
Migrating to Canada
With COPR clutched tightly in his hands, John once again stood on the precipice of the unknown. It was his second leap from the comfort of familiarity into the vast expanse of possibility. Filled with equal parts excitement and trepidation, he packed his bags and set foot in Calgary, Alberta—a new dawn awaited. There, challenges awaited him anew, but his spirit—unyielding and fierce—was ready to carve out a new life.
Starting Afresh in Canada
Starting anew in the vibrant land of Canada, John found himself navigating the unfamiliar terrain of a fresh start. With determination pulsing through his veins, he sought temporary shelter, all the while immersing himself in the pulse of his new surroundings. Every networking event he attended was not just an opportunity; it was a step toward weaving his dreams into reality. With fervor, he reached out to professionals in his field, igniting connections that could illuminate his path to new job opportunities.
John, too, faced a Journey of Determination: From Nigeria to the UK to Canada with unyielding hope. He meticulously updated his resume, ensuring it sang in tune with Canadian standards. John fearlessly launched into the quest for positions within the healthcare sector. He embraced online courses with an insatiable hunger. He was driven by a desire to stay on the cutting edge of public health trends and practices.
After countless interviews that tested his resolve, John triumphantly secured a role as a consultant within a respected healthcare organization. His odyssey from Nigeria to the UK, and ultimately to Canada, was a tapestry woven with trials and tribulations. Yet his unwavering determination and remarkable resilience blossomed into a flourishing career and a renewed life in this beautiful country.
This is a Journey of Determination: From Nigeria to the UK to Canada and it serves as an inspiring testament to the sheer power of perseverance and the multitude of opportunities. This beckons to those brave enough to chase their dreams, and take audacious leaps of faith. I hope you felt the passion and heart in John’s story. Should you have any more inquiries or seek further details, do not hesitate to reach out!
