CONVERSATIONS WITH A NEWCOMER - Episode 3 Meet- Patrice
1. Can you please introduce yourself ?
My name is Patrice Saiwak, and I am from the beautiful island of St. Lucia, the land of majestic twin pitons, the world’s only drive-through volcano, beautiful beaches and waterfalls. I previously worked with the Ministry of Health at the General Hospital as a Statistical Assistant and Health Information Technician. In 2022, I immigrated to Canada to further my education at Sault College, where I pursued a PostGrad Certificate in Health Informatics. During my studies, I worked part-time as a Medical Records Technician at Sault Area Hospital. Shortly after graduating, I was thrilled to secure a permanent full-time remote position at the Ottawa Hospital- where I work as a Health Information Management Professional.
2. What attracted you to Sault Ste. Marie?
While searching for a program within my field, I came across Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie. I had never heard of the city before, so I decided to learn more about it when I discovered this hidden gem. I was captivated by its charm as a small town bordering the USA, with an abundance of rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and breathtaking hiking trails. I couldn’t help but imagine it as the perfect place to raise a child.
3. What do you love about the Soo now that you live here?
I had no idea what to expect when I arrived in Sault Ste. Marie as a single mom with a 10-year-old daughter, Maliha. To my surprise, the transition was smoother than I could have imagined. Firstly, Maliha was mentally and emotionally prepared to come to Canada, which made the transition easier for me. We missed our families back home, but we knew we had a goal set. On our drive from Toronto to the Soo, we admired the scenery as it was in the fall. Upon our entry into the Soo, Maliha’s eyes lit up and she said, “Wow! Mummy I love this place, it reminds me of home, and it feels like home, I don’t ever want to leave”! My heart bubbled with joy, and in that moment, I knew without a doubt that I had made the right decision. I quickly embraced the small-town charm with its peaceful, uncrowded roads, friendly faces, and strangers who greeted me warmly or struck up conversations as if we had known each other for years. I love taking road trips, as there’s always a new place to discover. To relax, I spend time by the lakes and explore the hiking trails. Bellevue Park has become a favorite spot, offering something for everyone—whether it’s walking along the waterfront to watch the ducks and scenery of the USA across the river, enjoying the playgrounds and splash pads in the summer, or having a picnic. Fall is my favorite time of year, as I am mesmerized by the brilliant colors of the changing leaves.
4. How have you found the local community in terms of support and inclusiveness?
My classmate introduced me to his church, where the congregation was incredibly warm and welcoming. They supported Maliha and I, and those friendships quickly grew into a family of love and care. I took on the role of Nursery Coordinator, volunteered on the cleaning committee, and participated actively in the youth ministry. I also became involved with the African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario (ACCANO) and the Caribbean People in Sault Ste. Marie (CPSSM) groups, which greatly supported my transition. Through these groups, I connected with others over familiar foods, built friendships and we shared advice on jobs, immigration, housing, etc. Additionally, I embraced life as a hockey mom, meeting wonderful parents, assisting with fundraising, and volunteering wherever needed.
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?
As a newcomer to Canada, the experience can vary greatly depending on the community we build around us. Maintaining good mental health is essential, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by connecting with others and staying actively involved. Building relationships and engaging in activities can help combat homesickness and prevent feelings of isolation or depression. For parents, getting children involved in sports or activities—starting with the YMCA—can be a great way to integrate into the community.
I stay connected to my heritage through potlucks, where we sometimes exchange meals. I particularly look forward to the summer for BBQs and trips to the beach, which create opportunities to bond and celebrate cultural traditions.
6. What resources or services in Sault Ste. Marie have been the most helpful to you as a newcomer?
The United Baptist Church played a significant role in my journey by hosting regular newcomer sessions. These sessions covered important topics such as immigration, parenting, and winter preparation, all in a welcoming environment that included community-building activities like pizza nights. Additionally, The Sault Community Career Center has been an invaluable resource for me, offering support with resume writing, job vacancy listings, and guidance on permanent residence.
7. Please give your final thoughts- Share, anything you would like to say about being a newcomer in Canada/ Sault Ste Marie. Final advice?
Canada is a wonderful country to live in, offering abundant opportunities and a welcoming community of friendly people. While the initial transition can be challenging, strong community support and effective networking can make a significant difference. It's also important to prepare for the seasons—Canada experiences both extremely hot summers and extremely cold winters, so dressing appropriately is key! My daughter and I love the Soo and intend on making it our home for many years to come ❤️
Shelly Bazil-Smith
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CONVERSATIONS WITH A NEWCOMER - Episode 3
Meet- Patrice
1. Can you please introduce yourself ?
My name is Patrice Saiwak, and I am from the beautiful island of St. Lucia, the land of majestic twin pitons, the world’s only drive-through volcano, beautiful beaches and waterfalls. I previously worked with the Ministry of Health at the General Hospital as a Statistical Assistant and Health Information Technician. In 2022, I immigrated to Canada to further my education at Sault College, where I pursued a PostGrad Certificate in Health Informatics. During my studies, I worked part-time as a Medical Records Technician at Sault Area Hospital. Shortly after graduating, I was thrilled to secure a permanent full-time remote position at the Ottawa Hospital- where I work as a Health Information Management Professional.
2. What attracted you to Sault Ste. Marie?
While searching for a program within my field, I came across Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie. I had never heard of the city before, so I decided to learn more about it when I discovered this hidden gem. I was captivated by its charm as a small town bordering the USA, with an abundance of rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and breathtaking hiking trails. I couldn’t help but imagine it as the perfect place to raise a child.
3. What do you love about the Soo now that you live here?
I had no idea what to expect when I arrived in Sault Ste. Marie as a single mom with a 10-year-old daughter, Maliha. To my surprise, the transition was smoother than I could have imagined. Firstly, Maliha was mentally and emotionally prepared to come to Canada, which made the transition easier for me. We missed our families back home, but we knew we had a goal set. On our drive from Toronto to the Soo, we admired the scenery as it was in the fall. Upon our entry into the Soo, Maliha’s eyes lit up and she said, “Wow! Mummy I love this place, it reminds me of home, and it feels like home, I don’t ever want to leave”! My heart bubbled with joy, and in that moment, I knew without a doubt that I had made the right decision. I quickly embraced the small-town charm with its peaceful, uncrowded roads, friendly faces, and strangers who greeted me warmly or struck up conversations as if we had known each other for years. I love taking road trips, as there’s always a new place to discover. To relax, I spend time by the lakes and explore the hiking trails. Bellevue Park has become a favorite spot, offering something for everyone—whether it’s walking along the waterfront to watch the ducks and scenery of the USA across the river, enjoying the playgrounds and splash pads in the summer, or having a picnic. Fall is my favorite time of year, as I am mesmerized by the brilliant colors of the changing leaves.
4. How have you found the local community in terms of support and inclusiveness?
My classmate introduced me to his church, where the congregation was incredibly warm and welcoming. They supported Maliha and I, and those friendships quickly grew into a family of love and care. I took on the role of Nursery Coordinator, volunteered on the cleaning committee, and participated actively in the youth ministry. I also became involved with the African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario (ACCANO) and the Caribbean People in Sault Ste. Marie (CPSSM) groups, which greatly supported my transition. Through these groups, I connected with others over familiar foods, built friendships and we shared advice on jobs, immigration, housing, etc. Additionally, I embraced life as a hockey mom, meeting wonderful parents, assisting with fundraising, and volunteering wherever needed.
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?
As a newcomer to Canada, the experience can vary greatly depending on the community we build around us. Maintaining good mental health is essential, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by connecting with others and staying actively involved. Building relationships and engaging in activities can help combat homesickness and prevent feelings of isolation or depression. For parents, getting children involved in sports or activities—starting with the YMCA—can be a great way to integrate into the community.
I stay connected to my heritage through potlucks, where we sometimes exchange meals. I particularly look forward to the summer for BBQs and trips to the beach, which create opportunities to bond and celebrate cultural traditions.
6. What resources or services in Sault Ste. Marie have been the most helpful to you as a newcomer?
The United Baptist Church played a significant role in my journey by hosting regular newcomer sessions. These sessions covered important topics such as immigration, parenting, and winter preparation, all in a welcoming environment that included community-building activities like pizza nights. Additionally, The Sault Community Career Center has been an invaluable resource for me, offering support with resume writing, job vacancy listings, and guidance on permanent residence.
7. Please give your final thoughts- Share, anything you would like to say about being a newcomer in Canada/ Sault Ste Marie. Final advice?
Canada is a wonderful country to live in, offering abundant opportunities and a welcoming community of friendly people. While the initial transition can be challenging, strong community support and effective networking can make a significant difference. It's also important to prepare for the seasons—Canada experiences both extremely hot summers and extremely cold winters, so dressing appropriately is key! My daughter and I love the Soo and intend on making it our home for many years to come ❤️