In 2004 I accidentally got myself into an exchange year at York University, Toronto. "Accidentally" because I had not really planned to have another exchange year, since I had already spent an Erasmus year in Salzburg in 2001-2002. But when I saw the opportunity on my university's website and checked the course selection at York, I had no other option but to apply. I was sure my Department of History wouldn't choose me due to my previous exchange year, but I happened to be the only applicant. So there I was on my way to Canada, and it was only in the plane over the Atlantic when it hit me - I was on my way to Canada!
This "accident" changed my life.
I fell in love with Toronto. I lived in Annex, at Bloor/Bathurst, ate $5.99 sushi on "Sushi on Bloor" or "New Generation" and biked around the city. I had great roommates; Canadian and Georgian guys and a French girl, and later on a "Kiwi" a girl from New Zealand, and great downstair neighbours. I played beach volleyball in Ashbridge's Bay and volleyball at the downtown YMCA with people from all around the world: Mexico, Cuba, India, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Brazil, Japan, China, Canada ... you name it. I still remember, how on my very first day on the beach I was thinking that this is like the United Nations, everyone is from somewhere else. I had no need to travel around the world anymore, every country is in Toronto.
When my year in Toronto was done, I went back to Finland, but with a goal to return to Canada for an internship. A year later I did, this time to Ottawa. Even though Ottawa was not as diverse as Toronto, it was definately more diverse than any town or city in Finland! With my two Canadian roommates I quickly learnt to know Ottawa better, Ashbridge's Bay switched to Mooney's Bay, and in 2 weeks I had found a beach volleyball group for myself. A week later I met a man on the beach volleyball court who would become my husband two years later.
I immigrated to Canada on February 24, 2009.
The diversity in Canada makes my day, every day. I'm from Finland, my husband is from Lebanon, our friends are from all around the world and different corners of Canada. In my previous job at an immigrant serving organization and in my current job at a micro-loan organization I'm guiding fellow-immigrants with their new lives in Canada. And in return, they tell me their stories, and about their countries, and every day I learn something new about the world.
Today, on my 4 year birthday in Canada, I will once again celebrate my belonging to the United Nations of Canada!
