Where in the world are you now?
If you participated in Sharing Our Cultures, please tell us where YOU are email: lloydetta@sharingourcultures.com
2002 was my first year participating with Sharing Our Cultures. I had moved to Canada the previous year, and was in grade 9. I was a participant for the next 3 years of high school.
Sharing Our Cultures gave me the opportunity to share my culture and background with my Canadian and fellow international friends who had immigrated to Canada. The yearly events allowed me to cultivate friendships that are ongoing, 12 years later.
After high school, I attended Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. During this time, I was a regular volunteer with SOC, and assisted students with research and creating their presentation boards.
In 2010, I was hired as the Assistant Project Coordinator for Sharing Our Cultures. This experience reminded me of the positive influence the organization can have on young participants, and their fellow attendees.
I am currently employed at Suzy Shier, as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Operations and Sales, while pursuing a career in Wardrobe Styling. I am constantly using the interpersonal and communication skills that I believe were formed from my great experiences with Sharing Our Cultures!
HAPPY 15th ANNIVERSARY SOC!!!
Georginne Worley
Sierra Leone
I participated in Sharing our Cultures from the 9th to the 12th grade (2010-2013). During the Official Opening Ceremonies of Sharing our Cultures 2013, I served as the Hostess of the event, presenting in both French and English. In 2010, I wrote an article about my visit to China for the Cultural Con'txt' newsletter. My experience with Sharing our Cultures has opened my eyes to aspects of diverse cultures and has motivated me to work together with individuals of different ethnicities. In addition, by presenting aspects of my own culture, I have learned more about my ethnic background and gained a greater sense of pride in my culture. I am very grateful for the awareness that Sharing our Cultures has given me about my own culture and other cultures, as well.
This cultural understanding is very important as I move on in the next stages of my life. I am currently a student at Harvard University, planning to major in Biomedical Engineering. I hope to become a medical doctor in the future, and my experience with Sharing our Cultures has provided me with an appreciation of diverse cultures that I will continue to carry forward with me.
Ioana Dobre
Romania
I am from South Sudan and currently at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. I am in the first year of the Nursing program; it is a four-year program. I did Sharing Our Cultures for two years and I enjoyed every moment of it and I wished I had the time this year to do it again. I have always represented my country South Sudan.
Abuk Tong
South Sudan
During my Jr. High years, I attended Sharing Our Cultures on an annual basis. I loved participating in the activities, learning about different cultures, and best of all I received a lot of help and support from other kids my age who were going through the same experiences as I was as a new immigrant. With the support of many good people around me, I went to Memorial University and graduated with a double major in Political Science and Philosophy. While studying, I started working as a Graphic Designer, and today I work for a local tech company and own my own business. I also organized the first web design and development conference in Newfoundland called Go Beyond Pixels. I brought in the best speakers in our industry, and people from all around world attended the conference because it was highly regarded; this included people from all over Canada, United States, and even as far as Athens, Greece. I’m very grateful for Sharing Our Cultures and I’m happy to know that children today can still share in the same benefits that it has provided me with.
Levin Mejia
El Salvador
“Sharing Our Cultures made me feel like I was part of the international community, that I really belonged somewhere. We came from different cultures, but we had a similar story to share - we had all come to Canada and were going through a similar experience. I had the chance to participate in sharing not just my own culture, but other cultures as well. Where else would a Latvian get to wear a Sari and perform a traditional Indian dance? It was a great event and will always be part of my best memories in Canada. Thank you Sharing Our Cultures! Liva (participated in 2003-2004)”