“I know many people who have been looking for a job for a long time,” says Mariia Sydorenko. “I got the job so soon because I knew what I needed to do, as I got the step-by-step at YMCA, and now I am helping others with the same.”

Mariia Sydorenko and her family moved to Saint John in January 2023. The language barrier casted shadows of uncertainty over her career aspirations. Undeterred, Mariia embarked on a quest to conquer this barrier, enrolling in LINC classes at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick and immersing herself in the intricacies of English. However, her thirst for her purpose and finding a job to support society kept her looking for opportunities.

Having worked as a curriculum development manager in a child care centre in Ukraine, Mariia liked to stay engaged. This longing led Mariia to the Saturday Employment Workshops at Newcomer Connections of the Y, where she navigated the labyrinth of resume writing and learnt how different the Canadian Work Culture is from Ukraine.

“In Ukraine, we focus more on experience and not more on skills,” says Mariia, talking about her experience with the pre-employment services team. “They helped me choose the field I wanted to work in.”

With each workshop attended and each lesson learned, she felt the flames of determination burning brighter within her. In June, Mariia applied to become a part of the employment team of Newcomer Connections, and her hard work paid off as she got selected in her first job application and interview in Canada.

“Canadian people and the YMCA helped me to give me a new life, and it was very quick,” expresses Mariia, appreciating the support she has received from the Newcomer Connections team in her journey. “The YMCA has helped me with all of the bits and pieces, and I was able to get a good leap in my settlement process.”

In her newfound role, Mariia became more than an employee; she became a mentor, a guiding light for fellow newcomers seeking to carve their niche in a foreign land. Mariia’s unwavering commitment now ignites the spark in other job seekers, helping them Shine On.

“Mariia is diligent, hardworking, caring, honest and reliable, making her a trustworthy team member who consistently delivers on her promises,” says Min Liu, Employment Support Team Lead at Newcomer Connections. “She quickly grasps new concepts and adapts to changing circumstances. We are proud of her and honoured to have her join our team.”

In the six months of working in this role, Mariia has guided 137 newcomers, of which 69 have found a new job.

“Sometimes it feels like what I do is not an important step, but it is the first important step in helping an immigrant’s settlement journey in Canada,” Mariia confides, her eyes reflecting the depths of her empathy. “When you have a language barrier, it is difficult to understand even a simple thing like a document or a contract.”

Mariia has found herself enchanted by Saint John’s warm hospitality amidst the tranquil expanse of the sea that reminds her of the familial breeze of the Sea of Azov at her home town Mariupol. Mariia has found the cozy embrace of the community —a sanctuary where dreams take flight and hearts find solace.

“Saint John is like one big family. It’s now our home!”