ð My name is Syed Islam and I’m from Doha. Before moving to Canada, I worked in the sports industry while completing my Business Diploma. I later transferred my credits to Algoma University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree. Right now, I’m working as the Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator for the City of Sault Ste. Marie, helping newcomers integrate and feel at home here.
2. What attracted you to Sault Ste. Marie?
This can reveal what newcomers find appealing or unique about the area.
ð I was drawn to Sault Ste. Marie because of Algoma University and its small class sizes. It made it easier to connect with professors and fellow students, which helped me feel more engaged and part of the community. Plus, the smaller size of the city means less time spent commuting, which leaves me with more time to enjoy life and explore all that the Soo has to offer. This was a big advantage for me as an international student, as it allowed me to balance my studies and personal life more effectively.
3. What do you love about the Soo now that you live here?
This can give other newcomers ideas for exploring the city and connecting with local culture.
ð It feels like just yesterday that I stepped foot in Canada and my first day was here in Sault Ste. Marie. What I love most is the warmth and kindness of the people. It’s such a welcoming place and the natural beauty here is incredible—whether it's the rivers, lakes, or the lush forests, I’ve really come to appreciate the balance of nature and city life.
4. How have you found the local community in terms of support and inclusiveness? Here you can also talk about your role in the City.
This can showcase the community's role in helping newcomers feel welcomed.
ð Sault Ste. Marie’s community has been incredibly supportive. Even before arriving, I was able to connect with local groups and access helpful arrival services through settlement agencies. As the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) works with over 50 organizations that are dedicated to helping newcomers. These partnerships ensure that newcomers have access to a wide range of services and resources to ease their transition.
5. What advice would you give to newcomers who are just beginning their journey in Canada? How do you stay connected with your culture and heritage while living here?
ð My advice would be to set goals and work steadily toward them. It's important to take the time to learn about Canadian culture and the new environment you’re in but also find what makes you feel at home—whether it’s through familiar foods, community celebrations, or staying connected with family back home. I stay connected to my heritage by celebrating key holidays and festivals and I also make it a point to engage with local cultural communities here in the Soo.
6. What resources or services in Sault Ste. Marie have been the most helpful to you as a newcomer?
This can help highlight valuable resources and support systems available to other newcomers.
ð One of the most helpful resources I’ve found here is the Student Success Center at the University. They offer a range of workshops, seminars, and activities that really helped me adjust to life in Canada and stay focused on my goals. For those navigating employment or settlement needs, the Sault Community Career Centre has been an excellent resource. They offer valuable support for finding work and connecting with the community, making the transition to life in Sault Ste. Marie much smoother.
7. Please give your final thoughts- Share, anything you would like to say about being a newcomer in Canada/ Sault Ste Marie. Final advice?
ð Something I’ve learned and would suggest is: take your time. It’s totally normal to take a while to feel fully settled in a new place. Stay open to new experiences, be curious about your surroundings and stay connected to the community. Sault Ste. Marie is a wonderful place to call home and over time, you’ll start to feel like it’s truly yours. Welcome to the Soo and enjoy every step of this exciting new chapter in your life!
Shelly Bazil-Smith
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CONVERSATIONS WITH A NEWCOMER
Episode 1- Meet Syed
1. Can you please introduce yourself ?
ð My name is Syed Islam and I’m from Doha. Before moving to Canada, I worked in the sports industry while completing my Business Diploma. I later transferred my credits to Algoma University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree. Right now, I’m working as the Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator for the City of Sault Ste. Marie, helping newcomers integrate and feel at home here.
2. What attracted you to Sault Ste. Marie?
This can reveal what newcomers find appealing or unique about the area.
ð I was drawn to Sault Ste. Marie because of Algoma University and its small class sizes. It made it easier to connect with professors and fellow students, which helped me feel more engaged and part of the community. Plus, the smaller size of the city means less time spent commuting, which leaves me with more time to enjoy life and explore all that the Soo has to offer. This was a big advantage for me as an international student, as it allowed me to balance my studies and personal life more effectively.
3. What do you love about the Soo now that you live here?
This can give other newcomers ideas for exploring the city and connecting with local culture.
ð It feels like just yesterday that I stepped foot in Canada and my first day was here in Sault Ste. Marie. What I love most is the warmth and kindness of the people. It’s such a welcoming place and the natural beauty here is incredible—whether it's the rivers, lakes, or the lush forests, I’ve really come to appreciate the balance of nature and city life.
4. How have you found the local community in terms of support and inclusiveness? Here you can also talk about your role in the City.
This can showcase the community's role in helping newcomers feel welcomed.
ð Sault Ste. Marie’s community has been incredibly supportive. Even before arriving, I was able to connect with local groups and access helpful arrival services through settlement agencies. As the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) works with over 50 organizations that are dedicated to helping newcomers. These partnerships ensure that newcomers have access to a wide range of services and resources to ease their transition.
5. What advice would you give to newcomers who are just beginning their journey in Canada? How do you stay connected with your culture and heritage while living here?
ð My advice would be to set goals and work steadily toward them. It's important to take the time to learn about Canadian culture and the new environment you’re in but also find what makes you feel at home—whether it’s through familiar foods, community celebrations, or staying connected with family back home. I stay connected to my heritage by celebrating key holidays and festivals and I also make it a point to engage with local cultural communities here in the Soo.
6. What resources or services in Sault Ste. Marie have been the most helpful to you as a newcomer?
This can help highlight valuable resources and support systems available to other newcomers.
ð One of the most helpful resources I’ve found here is the Student Success Center at the University. They offer a range of workshops, seminars, and activities that really helped me adjust to life in Canada and stay focused on my goals. For those navigating employment or settlement needs, the Sault Community Career Centre has been an excellent resource. They offer valuable support for finding work and connecting with the community, making the transition to life in Sault Ste. Marie much smoother.
7. Please give your final thoughts- Share, anything you would like to say about being a newcomer in Canada/ Sault Ste Marie. Final advice?
ð Something I’ve learned and would suggest is: take your time. It’s totally normal to take a while to feel fully settled in a new place. Stay open to new experiences, be curious about your surroundings and stay connected to the community. Sault Ste. Marie is a wonderful place to call home and over time, you’ll start to feel like it’s truly yours. Welcome to the Soo and enjoy every step of this exciting new chapter in your life!