Jason Min has been a Mentoring Connections mentor since March 2010 and has also been a Friendship Host volunteer with ISSofBC for several years. Jason graduated in pharmacy from UBC and is currently completing a post-graduate pharmacy residency. In Jason's own words... [Continue]
While flipping through Teacher Magazine, the monthly publication from the BC Teachers’ Federation, I learned of World Teachers’ Day, celebrated in over 100 countries every October 5. It seems only fitting that a program like ours, whose goal it is to help mentors and mentees grow professionally and personally, finds special meaning in World Teachers’ Day. Each day this week, we’ll turn the idea of mentor-mentee on its head, and explore the many valuable things new immigrants have taught local professionals at our program. [Continue]
It’s unbelievable how two years can pass so quickly when you’re having fun. My first day as Laurie’s Mentoring Connections first hire doesn’t feel like it was two years ago, and the memories of each team member joining our team are still very fresh in my mind. Two years sounds like a long time when you have very passionate and excited coworkers who come to the office every single day with the same enthusiasm as their first day at work. [Continue]
There are some memories that stand out when I look back on my first year in school in Canada. The people were nice, they understood what I was saying, the math was easy and California kickball was part of the school day. After a few weeks, I made the decision to stay. Canada was not so bad. [Continue]
About one month ago, I was speaking to my girlfriend’s aunt and uncle at her birthday party. They were asking me a couple of questions: “How old were you when you moved to Canada?” I was an impressionable eight-year-old who was coerced into going to Canada with the promise of Ninja Turtle toys. “Do you [Continue]
"As an FTN, you must be prepared to embrace the BC system, and to forgo some of what you are familiar with. One of the primary challenges is a lack of fluency in spoken English. This can cause a lot of miscommunication between professionals, clients and FTNs. While undergoing accreditation or training, try and get as much work experience as possible that allows you to practice and demonstrate your people and communication skills." [Continue]
When I started to plan with Catherine a video campaign for our program, the only thing that seemed clear to us was that we wanted to give a voice and face to our mentors and mentees in our promotional materials. After two years collecting success stories from over 300 participants, we were convinced that some partnerships needed the spotlight. However, we weren’t sure if our mentees would agree to speak in front of a camera about the professional challenges they’ve been facing in Canada; we didn’t know if our mentors, Vancouver-based professionals, would agree to take their commitment with our program to a more serious level. [Continue]
The Vancouver Law Day will include events such as a mock trial and public forums one of which features Attorney General Michael de Jong. Learn more about the British Columbia Justice System and the legal resources you can benefit from. [Continue]
On April 25 from 1-4 pm there will be a FREE public forum on immigration law. Organized by People's Law School and the Canadian Bar Association, immigration lawyers will be there available to answer your questions. [Continue]
If you or someone you know is a new immigrant or refugee in the Vancouver-area, there is affordable (and often FREE) legal assistance available. Below are a few ways you can access legal assistance regarding a wide variety of issues, including immigration. [Continue]