His hope for greener pastures and new adventures brought Michael Balao to Canada.
Starting all over again as an adult may sound terrifying, but Balao faced the momentous task with courage and positivity.
As a second-year petroleum engineering technology student at SAIT, Balao sat down with The Press to talk about his life journey.
What was your life like before coming to Canada?
BALAO: I worked as a junior process engineer in a chemical refining plant for almost two years. I did research and development, laboratory testing and upscaling for production.
Before that, I worked in a mining company as a research metallurgical research engineer.
What made you decide to leave your job and start anew?
BALAO: First, the current salaries for engineers in the Philippines is quite low compared to when you’re here.
Second, I really wanted to pursue oil and gas industry, and Alberta is known to have a lot of reserves for oil and gas. I want to go to a place where those kinds of jobs will be in demand.
Third, I wanted to challenge myself, see what more can I do with the skills that I have, and I wanted to really be better in my career. I think Canada will be able to give that to me. I wanted to learn more of the technical aspect of the oil and gas industry.
How would you describe your life’s transition during the first year?
BALAO: Pretty much okay because I am living with my cousins. They really helped me adjust.
My first weeks in Canada were great because my cousin toured me around the area. What shocked me was the smell of the weed. I thought it smelled like a flower, but when I asked my sister about it, she told me that it was weed (marijuana).
What amazed me also was the nature that Alberta has. I’m a mountain person. I like exploring the mountains. I like hiking, camping and everything like that. This place offers a lot.
What can you say about your first hike in Canada?
BALAO: We went to Bear’s Hump. There were stairs and pathways going to the top which were maintained so it’s not that hard, but the view is spectacular, you can see this town of Waterton.
How would you compare the mountains in the Philippines to here?
BALAO: The mountains that I’ve been to in the Philippines were major hikes. So, it took like eight hours to two days minimum to finish the hike. I like it there, because it’s kind of hard. It’s challenging so far, but the vibe is also different here. It’s more of like stones, rocks, while there are mostly mossy forests.
I would want to try the major ones that my sister was telling me like the Big Beehive, Small Beehive, etc. But we don’t have time right now, so maybe in the future.
How was your first winter?
BALAO: At first, it was great, because it’s my first time to experience it. So, it’s like, “Oh, this is how it feels like during winter season,” because we don’t have that in the Philippines.
But at the latter part, I think it’s kind of hard because it’s hard to commute. It’s hard to wake up because it’s so cold. I’d rather scoot with my blanket and sleep all day, but you must go to school, so you just must adjust with the weather and get used to it.
What do you do after school?
BALAO: After school, I finish some of my assignments. Right now, I’m doing a mentoring session, so I help my peers, or I guide them with whatever they’re struggling with.
I also work in the food industry as an attendant to help me finance my school.
Currently, I have two jobs to be able to complete my 20 hours maximum work. I work at a crepe store and a juice store.
How do you balance study, work and extracurricular activities?
BALAO: Right now, I’m struggling on how to balance my activities, because I’m doing a lot of stuff right now.
I try to finish all my assignments on the weekdays so that I’m free on the weekends and will just focus on my work. I also try to finish all my lab assignments on the same day it was given so that I don’t have to think about it the next days.
How do you handle your tuition fee and your everyday expenses?
BALAO: I’m working hard. During the summer break, I worked three jobs. So, every day I was going to work. It was tiring, but I think I managed well. Whatever I earn, I save.
My great cousin also helps me pay for my tuition. Whatever amount I lack, he gives it to me.
What is your plan after graduating from SAIT?
BALAO: My plan is to get a job in the oil and gas industry. Then hopefully, get my professional engineering license. I really wanted to try the oil and gas first, and if I don’t find it interesting, I will probably go back to my old job as it was also interesting.
What advice would you give to other international students?
BALAO: They must be flexible. They must be adaptable. If you know how to adapt well with the environment, with your environment, you will prosper.
(This interview has been edited for clarity and length)
