[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he sight of deadly rocket strikes, deafening explosions, and bloody bodies pushed Liuba Shestakovich to move to Canada from Ukraine to live a life of peace, hope, and security.
It has been more than a year since Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014. Due to the uncertainty of survival caused by the chaotic situation in her home country, Shestakovich left alone, at age of 20, to start a new life in Canada. She landed in Calgary on Jan. 18 with nothing but luggage, aspiration, and dreams to live the life she deserves.
She might be miles away from loved ones as she embarks on a new journey, but she makes sure her connection remains strong through the power of the internet.
“I check my mom and my friends’ situations through chat and video call every other day,” she uttered.
Not even distance can cease Shestakovich’s commitment to supporting her country. Wherever she is, in her ways, her heart is ready to serve, and hands are willing to help.
“I registered as a volunteer in a Ukrainian church that helps my countrymen who are newcomers in the city,” she said. “If I earn enough money, I also send some to my relatives who are in the war zone.”
Like many other immigrants and refugees, Shestakovich has faced difficulties starting a new life in a foreign country.
“It is very hard to find a job without Canadian experience,” she said “It is also hard to be alone because it can lead to depression.”
One day, while roaming around Calgary, resume in hand, she bravely entered a restaurant and submitted her last bit hope to find a job. She never thought that her next visit there would be her first day as an employee, which made her elated and motivated to move forward. She also expressed sympathy to her fellow Ukrainians in Calgary who are facing challenges, especially with finding jobs, because of the experience concerns and language barriers.
The situation forced her to adapt to her new environment by learning how to live, understand the culture, and expand her connection in the community.
Despite the challenges she is dealing with as a newbie in the country, Shestakovich appreciates Canada for being welcoming as she described it as a country of immigrants. She is amazed by the culture, tradition, food, and people’s diversity.
“I like the reality that you can live life here without judgment from people,” she said. “You have more freedom to express yourself and be who you are.”
It has been more than two months since Shestakovich arrived, and she is keeping her eye on the prize- a life of peace and prosperity.
“I want to stay here. Aside from safety concerns, I want to study and enter the beauty industry in Canada,” she said.
No matter what comes next along her way, she is persistent in reminding herself that she came to conquer and not to surrender the life she is fighting for.
