A Better Life

Well, I have lived in Vancouver, Canada since 2008. I live with my family - one sister, one brother, and my parents. I am currently studying graphic design at a school.

Three years ago,  We immigrated  to Vancouver and it was my first time to ride the airplane in my entire life. After we made it, we excitedly saw my brother as we hadn't been seeing him for 10 years. I hugged him, yet I was a bit shy. I guess he must be surprised that I was grown up; however, he still keeps the precious pictures of me.  He never knew that I am not good at speaking and use sign language. He was shocked when I talked with my sister by using sign language and speaking a few words. And I can read my brother's lips.

After traveling in a month, I had nothing to do at home and looked for a school. My siblings and mother went to work. My father is retired. They wanted me to look for a job, yet I refused. I was not ready for that. No one gave me some good advice about jobs when I was in the Philippines. I didn't know how to look for a job. I didn't know what kind of position I could want to be. I only thought of my goal which is "Graphic Designer". However, I didn't have any diplomas or certificates from a graphic design program.

I found a school named Vancouver Community College where Hearing and Deaf students study. My sister recommended me to take English Upgrading since I was kind of bad in English. My brother helped me to apply for it and enrolled at that school. My independence was not improved well due to Canada. It's different to the Philippines. I was totally awkward.

Once my class was started, I made new friends. It was difficult for me to communicate with Deaf students using ASL (Amercian Sign Language) because I used SEE (Signing Exact English). After a few weeks, I got used to ASL. I got a job - Student Aide for VCC. It was only for the length of two terms.

During two years, My buddy Lea taught me how to be independent. One funny thing, I asked her if she could interpret for me. She said NO. I was stuck and then I tried to talk with a stock worker. She was fine and kind to me. I learned this new lesson. It's unlike the Philippines. Lea chatted with me about the Canadian culture, good news, and our lives. And, I learned a lot of new experiences from other people and workshops.

After two years, My English is improved well. I decided to take a graphic design course; nevertheless, it was too late because of the deadline. I was told to take it next year. I suggested myself to learn how to answer questions properly. I practiced and looked for a job at the same time. I have a job that is the business of my friend Mika's uncle. It's only a on-call job.

After my sister came back from the Philippines, I got a lot of mistakes. I was scolded. I know I was young to not be aware. Madness is NORMAL. Learning mistakes just helps me to know what I can do for right. I tried to improve my independence on my own.

This year (2011), I got a graphic design job even though I don't have diploma and certificate. I only got an idea - "internship". I emailed my resume to a lot of companies. One of them emailed me back. They wanted to talk with me. All of the sudden, I was frightened! I only thought if they were "strict". I tried to meet up!!! However, they are nice. I was relieved. hehe.. by the way, it's a on-call job.

I get in the graphic design program. OH MY GOSH! September 6 is so close!!! I am only the one who is Deaf with hearing students. I will do my best! I can't say I want to be passed! I only focus on my DREAM and STUDIES. Hopefully, I can do anything!

This year is better than two years that I did nothing. I really miss what I did for good in the Philippines. So I move on new life that I am in Canada. I am trying to improve my better LIFE.
I will update a new blog when my class happens to me. :D