It’s a memory I’ll treasure forever. I arrived in Canada just before the world turned upside down, landing in Montreal in December 2019. It wasn’t exactly a walk in the park at first, especially as a non-French speaker trying to break into HR. I started at the front desk of a long-term care home before making my way to the recruitment team. I also dove into certifications and internships to align myself more with the Canadian job market.

It’s kind of funny—I did try to learn French, but let’s just say I failed my first exam… and my coach actually got tired of teaching me! 😂 Still, I managed to pick up some essentials like ‘bonjour,’ ‘ça va,’ and ‘merci’—enough to start a conversation and avoid looking like a total lost cause!

Then, life took us to Ottawa, and in 2021, I joined Carefor through an external employer. Let me tell you, Carefor has been my rock through it all—celebrating the highs and holding me up during the lows. Not only did Carefor give me amazing colleagues—who are now my close friends–The support and guidance from my leaders and my amazing mentor, Jen, have been nothing short of incredible. I’ll always be grateful for the role Carefor has played in my story. 

Fun fact: I’ve been on the move ever since I left India 2008—thanks to marrying an IT guy who loves to keep life interesting (and by “interesting,” I mean endless packing, jet lag, and a perpetual state of “Wait, what time zone am I in?”). But now, I can finally say I’ve put down roots as a Canadian. This country has given me the wings to soar, and I’ll forever hold this chapter close to my heart. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Carefor. Thank you, Canada for everything!

Getting my citizenship has allowed me a feeling of permanence. Anyone who has left their birth country knows what a scary and hopeful feeling it is as you look for a new and better life. Being granted citizenship in a country as wonderful as Canada is truly a dream come true.

I feel the same is true for me, with Carefor. I could truly go on forever because Carefor has given me more than I could ever express—experience, growth, lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging. But most of all, it’s been the unwavering support during some of the toughest times in my life that has meant the world to me. I can’t fully capture everything here, but I am beyond grateful for all that Carefor has done for me.

Poonam is a Talent Acquisition Officer on Carefor’s People and Culture Team.