Asian Star-Aisha Rauf

Native village/Country, parent’s background

City of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.

Father was the Founder of the First daily English Newspaper of Saudi Arabia named Arab News and mother was a home maker.

Your early education

I got my early education from Dominican Convent School, graduated in Social Work and obtained Masters in English Literature.

When & why you came to Canada?

In the year 2001 after marriage.

Your career advancement initiatives and present occupation

I was an IELTS and TOEFL instructor back home. Giving instructions to adults reaching their goals was always my passion. Therefore, I got my English Language Teaching certification in the beginning and started teaching LINC (Language Instructions for New Comers to Canada) classes. I also acquired a Masters in Teachers of English as a Second Language, Graduate Diploma in TES/FL, M Phil in English Linguistics.

Currently, I am General Secretary of Pakistan Canada Association of Edmonton’s Women Wing, Director of Buzm- e- Sukhan (Literary and Cultural Society of Edmonton) and Director of MAA (Multivision Association of Alberta).

Besides above, I am a PhD student working towards thesis completion.

Your regret in life

None of any sort. Life has given me more than I deserved. I believe in flowing with the pace of time and am glad where life has brought me today.

Pick any one of your the best achievements

Equipping myself with hard as well as soft skills, I feel, is an appreciable achievement.

Were you ever discriminated?

Never ever

What you miss in Canada?

I used to miss family back home but after spending almost two decades in Canada, my friends have become my extended family.

Are you happy in Canada?

More than happy.

Why?

Allah has blessed me and my family with the best possible quality of life. Also, Canadian Government ensures that all citizens enjoy the charter of rights & responsibilities.

Any comments on Canada’s weather

Believe me I love snow. Some people call me crazy but I really love it. I am also involved in winter sports that’s why my kids and I wait for snow.

Any comments on Canada’s culture

Being an instructor of adult newcomers to Canada, it is a great opportunity to experience real Canada in my classrooms. Diversity and multicultural acceptance brings a new hope to our lives when we become a global family in reality.

What brought you success in Canada?

I am a proud Canadian Pakistani woman. My willingness to embrace friends from all cultures and communities and to face challenges boldly enabled me to kiss success.

Are you willing to help new comers?

Absolutely.

How?

I am already helping new Canadians as a LINC teacher who opens the doors of new opportunities by exposing them to Canadian culture in a way to keep their own values while blending into the Canadian lifestyle.

My volunteer work also aims for the betterment of newcomers.

Your message for Canadians of Asian origin

Get more interaction with people in the community and volunteer.

Remember now that we are all part of the same mosaic that is being a proud Canadian. We must own Canada, this is a land we have chosen to be our home and we have to make it stronger with unity in diversity by breaking all shackles of hatred, racism and meanness.