Newcomer Saint John

After landing in Saint John, New Brunswick, I keep thinking I was born here. This town is in a similar location to my hometown, JinZhou, in Northeastern China.

As a newcomer, I’m a baby here, with so many things to learn.

After this class—BIMP—I’ll never say that again.

I immigrated to Canada. I chose it! That’s my fate.

A few weeks ago, I visited King’s Land in Fredericton. I read many stories about the immigrants who came before us and how much they gave to build this land. I admire them.

Now we are here.

We are lucky to live in such a beautiful city.

We are lucky because the people of Saint John gave us such a warm welcome and taught us how to settle here!

We are lucky to have joined this class.

Even though I know I have a long journey ahead, I am prepared to face a baptism by fire.

It’s not enough to say we should give back to Saint John. I should be a Saint Johner. I’ll live here as part of the family.

I will use my strength to bring us together to build Saint John into a better home.

I would like to introduce the beauty of Saint John to my friends and family and help them join this family as much as I can.

I will paint my new life here!