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I arrived in Toronto on July 15, 1974. I
had been hired on three-month employment
visa to work for the National Institute
on Mental Retardation. I was so excited.
I had a really interesting job that paid
well and I also had the opportunity to get
to know something about the “great
white land” that lay north of my birth
Nation. The three-month contract extended
to 18 months and then I had to make a decision.
My work Visa was expiring and if I wanted
to stay in my job, I would have to become
a landed immigrant. It was a time consuming,
stressful and frustrating process but I
loved my work so it seemed worth the trouble.
Fortunately, I had a supportive and influential
employer who was able to wrangle me a “Minister’s
Permit” which allowed me to stay in
the country while the process dragged on.
Eventually, I became a landed immigrant
(permanent alien) in 1976. We had a knock-out
party and then life just continued to happen.
I moved across the country, built a successful
consulting and speaking business and formed
many lasting and wonderful relationships.
But, after 26 years, I was still a “permanent
alien”. When I came to Canada, I had
never intended to stay. But I did. My short-term
contract had become my life.
Now I have to say that I was lucky to have
fallen into this wonderful life and great
country. But I also learned some valuable
lessons:
The people you hang around with will influence
your thoughts, perspectives and actions.
- In
the absence of a plan, what you do today
will become your future.
- Not
deciding is a decision.
- I
am thrilled to have had the opportunity
to live and work in Canada for all these
years.
But
I also thought it was about time to stand
up and acknowledge my commitment and gratitude
to the country that has been so good to
me. I wanted to be clear that I was here
by choice and not by default. I became a
Canadian Citizen on November 22, 2000. Three
of my dearest friends attended my swearing
in ceremony. It was extremely emotional
for all of us. As we sang “Oh, Canada”,
I proudly added the words “my home
and adopted land!”.
I cheered wildly when I first saw the commercial
where “Joe” exclaimed “I
Am Canadian”. Me, too, Joe! Thanks
to everyone who has been through this journey
with me and I hope I’ll make you proud
to have me as an adopted sister.
Linda
Tarrant brings insight, inspiration and
humor to people and organizations in transition.
She speaks on courage, connectivity and
change. Linda can be reached at TOC Consulting
Inc., (416) 533-1532, e-mail linda@lindatarrant.com,
or via her web site at www.lindatarrant.com.
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