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Immigrant Stories

Meet the Sekhon Family

By Petrina D'Souza, 23 Jan, 2018

    Enjoy each phase of life. Believe in God, work hard and success will be yours.

     
    Jodhpreet Singh Sekhon works at Three Peaks Health and Anson Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapy Clinic as a physiotherapist
     
    Ravinder Kaur Sekhon works at Bayshore HealthCare
     
    Japneet is six years old and Haviraj is eight months old
     
     
     
     
    In 2012, Jodhpreet Singh Sekhon and his wife Ravinder migrated to Canada seeking a better standard of life. “We wanted to explore more opportunities,” adds Jodhpreet, who is the father of six-year-old Japneet and eight-month-old Haviraj. The Sekhons describe their first impression of Canada as being “awesome.”
     
     
    On arrival, the family lived at a relative’s place, eventually moving into their own house later on. Transitioning into the Canadian lifestyle wasn’t very difficult for Jodhpreet as he mentions that it took the family around three months to get used to their new surrounding and people. Yet, like most immigrants, the hunt for a job wasn’t easy. “I had to work two labours jobs even though I was a qualified physiotherapist,” shares Jodhpreet, who worked as a physiotherapist and owned a physiotherapy clinic back in India. “It was hard to get the first job but once I made some new friends and had a better knowledge of resources, it was a bit easy,” says Jodhpreet of the experience. At present, Jodhpreet works at Three Peaks Health and Anson Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapy Clinic as a registered physiotherapist.
     
    Jodhpreet and his family are living a content life in Canada and have successfully overcome the struggles they faced during their early days in the country. In fact, Jodhpreet points out that there is nothing to dislike about Canada. “I like that everyone has the freedom of religion and expression. People are very good; they are polite and honest, and they don’t judge you on the basis of your looks.” When asked about his plans ahead, Jodhpreet says that he envisions a future where he is the owner of a few physiotherapy clinics. Before concluding, he sums up his and his family’s overall journey in Canada in a single word – “great.”
     
     

    Biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada:

    Finding the very first job was hard because every place wants to hire someone experienced but how can you gain experience if you don’t get a job?
     

    Resolutions made for yourself or family:

    Was to become a registered physiotherapist in Canada after clearing the entry exam.
     

    Advice for immigrants:

    Enjoy each phase of life. Believe in God, work hard and success will be yours.
     

    Memories of your homeland:

    We miss our family, friends and food.
     
    Photos: Courtesy Sekhon family, Glenda Monsen Photography

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