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| Subject: Positive stories |
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Adult Learner Story
From Kellie Dearman
Attitude Trumps Obstacles
In 1991, Natalie Kotikova graduated with Honours from the University of Moscow with a degree in Radio Electronics Engineering. She married her husband, Peter, as the communist system was crumbling. In order to take advantage of what they hoped would be burgeoning new business opportunities in the new regime, the couple started an information company.
Natalie helped Peter when she could but also maintained a job at the university. After their son Alex was born, Natalie worked with Peter from home. But as capitalism began to spread across the former Soviet Union, business competition stiffened. They became increasingly aware that corruption was taking over free enterprise in the country, as their thriving small business began to attract shady ?organizations? trying to sell them ?protection.?
After meeting a Canadian entrepreneur, Peter and Natalie decided that a fresh start on a level playing field would be in the best long-term interest of their family, and in particular for the future prospects of their son.
In order to prepare for an evaluation with Canadian Immigration, which was in just two months, Natalie set about the job of learning English, as well as the ?ins and outs? of immigrating to Canada.
To appear more desirable to their prospective new country, Peter and Natalie upgraded their computer skills by completing several Microsoft Certificate programs. The couple breezed through the immigration process and was soon making plans for their new life.
But leaving Russia was not easy. Natalie?s family had suffered financially, along with so many others, as the country moved away from Communism. They were dependent on Natalie and Peter for their survival, and so by leaving the country the couple was also removing their family?s security. Saying goodbye was the hardest moment of their lives, but it reinforced their desire to succeed as quickly as possible in their new country so that they would be able to continue providing support for their loved ones in Russia.
Natalie and Peter arrived in Canada in 1999 with the required amount of financial savings but with no possessions except what they carried in their suitcases. They immediately set about the tasks of finding a place to live and getting jobs. It was recommended that Natalie apply for secretarial work, which was well below her qualifications. Their language skills and lack of Canadian work experience didn?t leave many options, but the couple tried to always be optimistic, understanding the power of positive attitudes when presenting themselves for possible employment.
Natalie continued to work on her English skills which she saw as crucial to her success in her new country. She signed up for some high-school level English courses, which she completed with the highest marks in her class. Always on the look-out for possible opportunities, Natalie one day entered a logo contest for a local charity organization. After winning the contest, she was asked to prepare artwork for the logo and forms for the charity. She got her son Alex to help her do the artwork on their new computer. Natalie was paid a small honorarium for her efforts.
[19-09-2006,09:10]
[**.52.217.169]
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