“I came to Canada rather spontaneously, thinking that jumping into the unknown would force me to get to know myself. And it did,” says Wiktoria. “You would think that such a big decision must have taken me years to consider, but to tell you the truth – not really. I gave this thought three months and crossed the ocean.”

A courageous Wiktoria Cegielska left Poland in July 2023 with her partner, seeking adventure and self-discovery in Canada. She looked for guidance, a sense of direction and passion, eager to find her place in the world.

In her new home, Wiktoria built connections by starting volunteering at PRUDE Inc., where she helped newcomers practice English by joining casual conversation sessions and assisting in their programs. Meeting so many newcomers opened her eyes to the challenges many face when starting anew in a foreign land.

“I never would have thought that helping newcomers find comfort in their new home would become something so dear to me.”

Wiktoria’s journey of self-discovery continued by joining the Y Ignite Program at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, which helped her with professional development and get her first job in Canada. Her work placement was at the YMCA’s Newcomer Connections, spending two weeks in every team of Newcomer Connections as a Support Worker.

At her placement, Wiktoria welcomed families who had fled political persecution with the RAP team and guided others through the same challenges she once faced as a newcomer. Wiktoria’s empathy and dedication shined when she reminisced about her two weeks with the Language Team. Wiktoria taught English basics to an elderly woman who had never learned to read or write in her native language. Wiktoria taught her the alphabet, numbers and basic words patiently and slowly.

“I could clearly see the pain and frustration in her eyes whenever she wouldn’t be able to complete a task,” shared Wiktoria. “One day, by the end of our meetings, she came up to me, with the widest smile I have ever seen on her and counted to 10. I was so proud of her, she made my whole week that day.”

Following her graduation from the Y Ignite Program, Wiktoria continues to work at Newcomer Connections as a Client Intake Liaison, welcoming newcomers with a warm smile and open arms, connecting them to the support they need to thrive. Encouraged by her supportive colleagues and inspired by the resilience of those she serves, Wiktoria embraces her growth with gratitude and optimism.

“Being the first person a newcomer meets in Canada is a privilege. I want to make sure they feel seen, heard, and valued,” says Wiktoria. “One memory that always makes me a little emotional is, that after one intake session I did, the client said to me ‘I am so happy you are one of the first people we met in Canada. You’re kind.’”

Wiktoria’s journey through Y Ignite has transformed her in ways she never imagined. Through her story, she reminds us all to be kind and compassionate, recognizing our shared humanity and the power of love to bridge our differences.

“Please be kind and considerate of people – no matter how different they are from you. I wish all of us will wake up to the truth, that we are all human, and we are meant to love.”