Success story of the month
My Story
an interview with youth Chunku by Tsewang
This interview was completed in March 2013 via email. Youth SPARK would like to thank Chunku for sharing her success story to encourage other young newcomers of our youth community.
Please introduce yourself to the readers
Hello everyone!! My name is Chunku and I am a newcomer in Canada. I came to Canada two years ago and currently, I go to PCI as a 10th grader. However, I don’t live in Parkdale anymore as we recently moved to Etobicoke but Parkdale was my first neighbourhood and home in Canada.
When did you first join Parkdale Newcomer Youth program and why?
I first joined the Parkdale Newcomer Youth program around the first and second month of the year 2011. And the reason why I joined this program is because I was officially new to Canada and therefore, I thought this program was to help me lead my way to success which eventually turned out to be true!
What about this program interested you the most?
It wasn't only me who was new to Canada, but there were also several newcomer youths. Because of this, it got me excited to make new friends here since we were on the same boat. I also wanted to know more about Canada as soon as possible.
How do you think the program has helped you develop?
I think the program has not only helped me develop to who I am now but to also help me transform to who am I going to be in future since through this program, I learned many life skills through an experiential learning platform created by the youth projects managed by Kalsang under the youth settlement program. Especially, it taught me how to be confident, which in life is very important. Not only that but I have also gained communication skills, etc.
What are some things you would tell a friend to influence him/her to join this group?
This program will give you the key to open the gate on your way to achieve success! :)
What are some things you would tell a friend to influence him/her to join this group?
This program will give you the key to open the gate on your way to achieve success! :)
As a newcomer youth yourself, what are some challenges that you faced?
I really had a difficult time communicating to people and I think this is first and foremost, the most important thing in life. Because, if you don't have communication skills, literally or verbally, people wouldn't want to talk to you and when that happens, that's how you slack behind. Hence, this program helped me find the place deep down inside my heart where it says nothing is impossible!
How did you manage to get a part-time job at McDonalds?
First of all, Kalsang la gave us a lesson on how to make resume last year during our weekly leadership sessions. Secondly, after a couple of months or so, after making my draft resume and with the help of my mom’s networking skills, I dropped it off at several retail businesses such as Tim Hortons, the Convenient Store, etc. I got no calls or anything. Then, I decided I will email it to Kalsang la and so I did. After that, she booked an appointment for me where she helped with editing my resume and then my mom dropped it off at the McDonalds on Roncesvalles Ave. Right then, after two weeks I got a call for an interview. The day after my interview, I got selected, and that's how I managed to get into McDonalds. However, all thanks goes to Kalsang la because most of my references and experiences are through this program.
Could you tell us a bit about your new job?
It is fun. Yet, at the same time, it is busy and sometimes frustrating because of the customers. Some are friendly but some are terrible. Honestly, I had to cry two or three times because of the customers. Being a cashier, you need a lot of communication skills to deal with difficult customers sometimes. I also need to be pretty smart because some customers try to cheat with payments. In other words, they will lie (ex: refill, Change, etc). I also need to be good in multi-tasking and trust me, this will drive you lemons when there is only one person to back you up.
Do you have a message to all the newcomer youth?
To all the newcomer youths, don’t give up! No matter what! Winners never give up and the ones who give up never win. No one is perfect because everyone is imperfectly perfect. So, keep trying in whatever you want to achieve and believe in yourself.
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Music Video of Newcomer Youth Summer Program - 2011
A music video depicting some of the activities of the Newcomer Youth Summer
Program of 2011 in Parkdale. The activities include bollywood dance, martial
arts training, outdoor sports and many more. The song used is "Sooraj Ki Baaho
Mein" taken from the bollywood movie "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara".
For more videos of our program activities, visit www.youtube.com/ympparkdale
Program of 2011 in Parkdale. The activities include bollywood dance, martial
arts training, outdoor sports and many more. The song used is "Sooraj Ki Baaho
Mein" taken from the bollywood movie "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara".
For more videos of our program activities, visit www.youtube.com/ympparkdale
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CHECK OUTWORKSHOPS & EventsINCOME TAX CLINIC - FREE!LEGALHow Do I find a Lawyer?It is important to find a lawyer who practises the type of law related to your situation. You should also feel comfortable with your choice of lawyer. Here are a few ways to get started. http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=LAW_FIND&faq_id=4000076 For more information about finding a lawyer in Ontario, visit: http://www.settlement.org/topics.asp?section=LS:LAW:LAW_FIND My rights as a worker in OntarioWHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A WORKER IN ONTARIO?
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) is a law in Ontario. Employers have to treat workers fairly. This law tells employers how to do that. http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=RIGHTS_BASIC&faq_id=4001115 For more information about worker rights in Ontario, visit: http://www.settlement.org/topics.asp?section=EM:MRAT:RIGHTS_BASIC Moving out ? Learn how to inform your landlordWHEN DO I HAVE TO TELL MY LANDLORD THAT I AM MOVING OUT?
Before you move out, you have to let your landlord know that you are leaving. This is called "giving notice." When you give notice, you must tell your landlord what day you want to end your tenancy. You can make an oral agreement, but it is a good idea to have a written agreement. http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=RENT_TENANT&faq_id=4001273 For more information about tenant rights and responsibilities in Ontario, visit: http://www.settlement.org/topics.asp?section=HO:RENT:RENT_TENANT Immigration & CitizenshipOrientation to Ontario
Orientation to Ontario (O2O) is a bilingual pilot project which aims to make the transition to life in Canada easier for newcomers. The project offers standard information about settling in Ontario, connects newcomers to community services and helps them develop personalized settlement plans. New CIC Regulations: Conditional Permanent Residence for Sponsored Spouses or Partners Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has introduced new regulations imposing a 2-year conditional permanent residence for some sponsored spouses or partners. Changes to the Citizenship Application As of November 1, if you are applying for citizenship you will have to send the required proof that you have knowledge of English or French. If you don't, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will consider your application incomplete and return it to you. Virtual Citizenship Resource Centre Virtual Citizenship Resource Centre is a free virtual online service aimed at helping newcomers prepare for Canadian citizenship. HEALTH & SafetyStrategies to Keep Newcomer Youth SafeStrategies to Keep Newcomer Youth Safe
This article from Canadian Immigrant magazine outlines the challenges newcomer youth experience in Canada and strategies parents can use in order to keep them safe. The West End Non-Insured Walk-in ClinicNeed to find a Family Doctor?How can I find a family doctor?
There is a shortage of family doctors in many areas in Ontario. It may take you some time to find a doctor. A family doctor is also called general practitioner (GP). Family doctors are usually the first doctors to diagnose and treat most medical problems. Do I need private health insurance?DO I NEED PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?
When you are new to Ontario, there is a 3-month waiting period for OHIP. During these 3 months, OHIP does not pay for any of your medical services. You can buy private health insurance to help you pay for treatments during that time. http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?faq_id=4001251 For more information about private insurance in Ontario, visit: http://www.settlement.org/topics.asp?section=HE:OHIP:HEALTHINS_PRIVATE LGBTQ DROP IN at Parkdale CHC LGBTQ Drop in at PCHC (FLYER)
· Informal, positive space to meet other LGBTQ folks · Access resources, referrals, and harm reduction supplies · Guest speakers, movies and friendly conversation! · Snacks and TTC tokens will be provided WHEN: Tuesdays from 2-4 PM starting September 4th WHERE: Board Room at Parkdale CHC 1229 Queen Street West, at Dufferin INFO: For more information, please contact: Connie: 416.537.0275, ext.232. Free Dental Care for Youth!
Youth under 17?Toronto Public Health offers free and low cost dental services in our clinics. We also work with many community health centres,community agencies and private dentists throughout the city to make sure you get the treatment you need.
Can everyone get free dental care? We offer dental services to eligible children and youth (0-17 years),adults enrolled in selected Toronto Public Health programs, andseniors (65 years and older). http://www.toronto.ca/health/dental/free_dental_care.htm over 17 and need Dental Care?
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Managing Editor: Kalsang Dolma (Youth Settlement Worker - ISAP)
2013 Youth Editorial Board:
2013 Youth Editorial Board:
- Tsewang Dhargyal
- Tenzin Rangdol
- Tenzin Samphel
- Tenzin Namsel
- Bipin Aasi