For a lot of newcomers, 2025 brings hope for larger stability and success. Whether or not it’s securing a job that matches their expertise, advancing of their careers, or discovering reasonably priced and protected housing, they’re decided to show their aspirations into actuality.
A way of connection and belonging can also be a key focus for the 12 months forward. Many newcomers plan to deepen their ties to their communities by constructing friendships, becoming a member of native teams, or partaking in volunteer work. On the similar time, they look ahead to celebrating their cultural identities whereas embracing Canadian traditions, discovering pleasure in mixing the outdated with the brand new.
We spoke with newcomers entering into the brand new 12 months with contemporary optimism and a renewed sense of function.
Diary Marif
Who: Diary Marif is a author and freelance journalist based mostly in Vancouver. Marif was born in Iraqi Kurdistan and immigrated to Canada in 2017, after leaving his house nation as a result of ongoing battle there. Since arriving in Canada, he has centered on writing hybrid memoirs, drawing on his experiences as a baby of warfare.
What was your greatest studying in 2024?
In 2024, I realized loads in two foremost methods. First, I had the possibility to enhance my writing by means of workshops, mentorship, and attending occasions, which helped me develop as a author. Second, international occasions just like the Palestine disaster made me understand how human rights and democracy will be manipulated by highly effective international locations. This taught me to be extra essential and cautious about trusting political narratives.
One ability that you simply hope to hone in 2025
I need to higher use digital instruments for writing, publishing, and selling my work on-line, permitting me to achieve a wider viewers and educate others concerning the Kurdish expertise.
Your expectations for the brand new 12 months
I anticipate to develop each personally and professionally. I goal to increase my community and proceed creating my expertise as a author. I additionally look ahead to exploring new alternatives for collaboration and sharing my tales. Globally, I consider 2025 may very well be a pivotal 12 months, particularly for the Kurds in Syria. I anticipate vital adjustments within the Center East map, which might deliver each challenges and alternatives for the Kurdish individuals.
Dr. Narine Dat Sookram
Who: Dr. Narine Dat Sookram is well-known within the Waterloo Area space of Ontario as a social activist for his a few years of offering help to newcomers to Canada, in addition to for his longstanding cultural management inside the Canadian Caribbean neighborhood. The Guyanese-born analysis scientist and psychological well being skilled was one of many Canadian Immigrant Prime 25 winners in 2013.
What was your greatest studying in 2024?
My greatest lesson in 2024 was the significance of setting a aim, making a plan that aligns with my life-style, and staying dedicated to it. With out a clear plan, I would nonetheless be working towards my doctorate. As a substitute, 2024 turned the 12 months I proudly accomplished my Physician of Social Work diploma. Alongside the best way, I spotted that embracing each alternative — challenges included — was a necessary a part of the journey towards reaching my aim of incomes the very best educational credential in my discipline.
One ability that you simply hope to hone in 2025
The one ability I hope to hone in 2025 is the flexibility to say no. We stay in a world the place everybody wants a serving to hand on occasion and being the sort of individual I’m, I attempt to do all of it. Nevertheless, I’m beginning to understand that it’s not humanly attainable to say sure to the whole lot and that it’s okay to say no once I can’t assist.
Your expectations for the brand new 12 months
As I enter 2025, aside from getting my first autobiography e-book printed, I wish to deal with my keynote talking alternatives. I wish to share my journey in Canada to encourage others in order that they can also proceed with their goals and objectives in life. Moreover, I plan to advertise the findings from my analysis on figuring out finest practices for inclusive hiring in social service businesses. This matter has all the time been a ardour of mine as a result of, in my earlier days, I labored as a job developer and have seen first-hand the unethical practices within the hiring course of.
Abdullah Al Imran
Who: Born in Bangladesh and based mostly in Ottawa, investigative journalist, Abdullah Al Imran works remotely for CBC’s Toronto workplace as an Affiliate Producer at The Fifth Property, an English-language Canadian investigative documentary collection that airs on the nationwide CBC Tv community. His stories had been included on one of the best lists at completely different occasions all year long by the International Investigative Journalism Community.
What was your greatest studying in 2024?
The 12 months 2024 has been transformative. As an investigative journalist with CBC’s The Fifth Property, I realized adaptability in an evolving media panorama. Embracing AI and data-driven instruments taught me cowl tales about monetary crimes and corruption, with larger depth.
One ability that you simply hope to hone in 2025
In 2025, I goal to refine my information visualization expertise to rework advanced datasets into partaking tales. This technical proficiency will improve my means to speak intricate subjects clearly.
Your expectations for the brand new 12 months
Professionally, I aspire to work on extra investigative tasks that spotlight underreported points affecting marginalized communities, notably in South Asia and amongst diasporas. Personally, I goal to contribute extra to Canadian society and promote its values, in addition to make a optimistic influence globally by means of my work and engagements, together with these with my household, mates and colleagues.
The publish Waiting for 2025: Newcomer hopes and expectations first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.