
Abu Dhabi—Having to face several circumstances in life, 32-year old Joan from Isabela never thought her dream of living in Canada would someday come true.
Enticed by the government-funded education for children and free health care for their residents, Joan once just dreamt of stepping foot in one of the world’s wealthiest countries.
It all started with a dream
“Ang masasabi ko lng po, isa din po ako sa nangangarap dati na makapunta sa Canada. At first, iniisip ko na parang impossible naman, dahil mostly na nakikita ko na nakakapasok ay highly skilled workers lang.” shared Joan.
Discouraged and feeling unequipped at that time, Joan let the years pass by working as a cashier in some of the biggest malls in Metro Manila. She then moved to Doha Qatar in 2012 and Dubai in 2015. But throughout those years, Joan believed that the spirit of her dream to be in Canada never died.
Taking a leap of faith
With a burning desire to fulfill her dream, Joan started to research about Canada and the process of immigration. She then stumbled upon one of the most trusted immigration firms in the Middle East--The Visa Centerwhile scrolling on social media early this year.
“Sa Facebook lng po, randomly na nagse-search po ako ng mga agency at tinatawagan ko din po. Actually, three na agency ‘yung nakausap ko. Na-curious ako sa The Visa Center at chineck ko po lahat ng reviews if legit po ba talaga sila,” said Joan.
Joan was inspired by the stories of The Visa Center’s successful clientsand hoped that she can soon be one of them.
Being rich in experience as a cashier in various types of businesses, Joan realized that it is time to focus on building her own dream and learning the process of owning one. She took her shot and applied for a student visa with the help of The Visa Center.
Fulfilling her dream
After months of processing, Joan received the good news early this month. She has been granted with a student visa to Canada.
“[As a cashier], iniisip ko na parang impossible dahil mostly na nakikita ko na nakakapasok ay highly skilled workers lang. Pero despite that, I don't wanna lose hope. I still keep doing my own research for the possibilities to get there. For me, if we have a dream to go to Canada, we need an actions. ‘Wag lang natin panatilihing hanggang pangarap lang ‘yun, dahil paano natin maa-achieve ‘yung pinapangarap natin kung hindi tayo magta-try. Keep trying, don't lose hope and never give up, as quoted "if it's meant to be yours, it will eventually be yours,” said Joan.
Now in Canada
Joan is determined to learn the ins and out of business and believes that being in Canada as a student is a start of her new journey of accomplishing another dream.
“[I am] hoping, someday, God willing, ay makapagtayo po kami ng negosyo since nag-aaral po ako ngayon ng Business International. [I dream also in the future] na maka-settle po kami dito ng asawa ko at mag-raise ng sarili naming family,” shared Joan.
As of writing, Joan is completing her mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Canada and shared that she has already experienced seeing snow for the first time.

Ms. Joan enjoying her first experience of snow in Canada.
Previously, The Filipino Times already ran stories of a Pinay achieves her immigration dream to Australia at the age of 23, making her mama proud