Jeanne is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Chair of the Multicultural Mentorship Committee.
Here is Jeanne's story:
When I came here to Saskatoon, it was June 14, 1997, so weather wise, it was still ok. 
I was so culture shocked socially, because I came from a place where we do not talk to strangers; that was instilled to us since the day we learned how to socialize. On the other hand, coming here, a total stranger will greet you good morning or good afternoon and will ask, “How's your day?” it was totally a different experience, especially to a person like me who rarely got out and socialized. I was so used to being alone and walking in silence and waiting for transportation quietly. Here, strangers start a casual conversation. At first, I was tongue tied all the time. To add to my misery back then, I was so conscious of my spoken English. I was so scared to answer the phone that I would stare without answering it. Took me months to actually get used to the warmth of how accommodating and friendly Canadians are.
Weather shock came after a few months, I didn't want to get out of the house because of the cold weather. 😫
Then when it comes to validity of my education, I was so miserable that my degree wasn't accepted here in Canada. I'm so fortunate that I had the motivation to work my way to where I am now.
I know coming here in Canada, at first, it was very overwhelming and challenging. As the days turned to months and months into years, I learned how to adapt and how to actually survive winter and the new culture without losing my own culture. I always remind myself that even though I'm so conscious of my spoken English, it is my strength that I'm bilingual. And our culture is not a weakness, it is my strength.
Latest posts
SEIU-West/
Lesbian Visibility Day
Lesbian Visibility Day is April 26 and the SEIU-West Gender and Sexual Diversity Committee is celebrating with a contest!
Apply to attend the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists 2024 Conference
The SEIU-West Education Committee will be sponsoring up to two delegates to attend the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists 2024 Conference on May 4th, 2024, at the Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre at 2002 Airport Dr, Saskatoon.