Meet Arpan: New Opportunities

What does Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion mean to you?

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion mean treating everyone fairly regardless of their background, valuing different cultures and perspectives. It’s creating safe and welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Why I came to Canada/Brockville?

I moved to Canada for education and new opportunities. I chose Brockville because it's less crowded and peaceful. It’s a great place for focusing on studies and personal growth. It also feels safer and more community-oriented than bigger cities.

Have you felt included in Leeds and Grenville?:

Yes, I've felt included especially in:

College - Friendly staff and classmates

Local Stores - People are polite and respectful

But I also think that more diversity and cultural events could help newcomers feel more connected.

What surprised me most about this area?

It was how quiet and peaceful it is. It’s very different from big cities in India. People take the time to talk and help, and the slower pace of life was unexpected but refreshing.

How do you find diversity in Brockville?

I believe there is some diversity, but it’s not very visible. There could be more multicultural events, foods, or festivals. More newcomers are arriving, so the diversity here is slowly growing.

Do you feel represented here?

Not always. While people are kind, I don’t see many people from my culture, or find services or events that reflect Indian traditions. Representation could be improved by including more cultural voice in the community.

How was finding a job?

At first, it was easy to find a job. But now, it’s harder to find full-time work in my field. I’m looking for opportunities in Office Administration and want to grow professionally.

Do you have any ideas to improve the area?

To make Brockville event better for newcomers, I think some ideas would be:

·       Offering more job opportunities in various fields

·       Creating more multicultural events and support groups

·       Providing career workshops for international students and newcomers

Have you made others feel welcome?

One moment I’m proud of was at college, I helped a new international student feel at home by explaining local customs and inviting them to events. Small actions can make a big difference!

Some final thoughts:

Brockville is:

·       Peaceful and friendly

·       A great place to start in Canada

·       But with a few improvements, it could be even more welcoming and diverse for people like me