Eva’s Journey: Rediscovering Her Path in Canada Through Preparation, Resilience, and SOPA Support
When Eva arrived in Vancouver from Madrid, she carried more than suitcases—she brought years of experience, determination, and hope. Although she had lived in Canada twice before, coming back and forth since 2016, this move felt different. It was her first time arriving as a Permanent Resident, and she wanted stability for her family.
“I was an English teacher in my home country,” she explains, “and now I am studying to become an Education Assistant.”
Before flying to Canada, Eva received her PR while still in Spain. She immediately began exploring the pre-arrival supports offered by the Government of Canada.
“When I got my PR while living in my home country, I was offered help by different organizations provided by the Government of Canada and I signed up with all,” she says. “But SOPA adapted to my experience and my needs and went beyond my expectations.”
Finding Her Footing in a Tough Job Market
Despite having previously lived in BC and holding Canadian experience, Eva discovered that this landing would be her hardest yet.
“Finding a job after landing in Canada and after having Canadian experience from my previous years living in this country was surprisingly challenging,” she says. “This is my third time moving to Canada, and I must say that this time it’s been the hardest to find a decent job.”
For 15 days straight, she immersed herself in job searching—sending tailored resumes, attending WorkBC workshops, volunteering, and networking.
“After 15 full days of sending resumes and having Canadian experience and a good level of English, I ended up accepting a job offer to be a nanny during the summer months due to desperation while I figured out what to do next.”
Her husband also struggled initially.
“Before his old employer called him, he had interviews from two car companies, but unfortunately what they had to offer wasn’t enough for the current cost of living,” Eva shares. “His job is not related to what he was doing in Spain, but he’s not giving up.”
She emphasizes that, due to their PR status and past experience, they were looking for “decent/good jobs, not any type of job.”
“And SOPA support has nothing to do with this economy/work situation happening now,” she adds.
How SOPA Helped Her Rebuild Confidence and Gain Clarity
Eva completed Job Search Strategies, Working in Canada, and received individualized career planning and job search guidance.
“I did two courses from SOPA and they were extremely helpful,” she says. “Despite I wasn’t a newcomer, I was provided with very valuable information that I couldn’t get from any of the other organizations because they just covered the basics when you come to Canada for the first time.”
Eva had been considering multiple education-related pathways—ECE, IRCC, or EA.
“In my case, I needed help deciding whether to study ECE, IRCC, or EA, and SOPA addressed all my questions. Even though I always do a lot of research by myself, SOPA provided me information that I didn’t have access to.”
This guidance helped her confidently choose a direction. She began her Education Assistant program in September.
Strategies That Helped Her Move Forward
Eva stayed proactive and engaged, relying on:
- Workshops
- Volunteering
- Networking
- SOPA courses that helped her understand employer expectations and workplace culture
“I used workshops, volunteering, and networking,” she says—simple but effective strategies that kept her moving forward.
Advice for Other Newcomers
Eva offers clear, heartfelt guidance:
“SOPA courses are very helpful, especially if you’re a newcomer to Canada. Don’t hesitate to choose SOPA to get assistance with anything related to your future in Canada—and start doing everything ahead of time, so you can get as much information as possible to be more prepared.”
Advisor’s Note: A Message from Anna Romaniuk
“Working with Eva has been an absolute joy. She is intelligent, well-educated, open-minded, and wonderfully dedicated. Throughout her SOPA journey, she approached every task with curiosity, positivity, and responsibility. She completed her courses with care, followed recommendations thoughtfully, and was always responsive and genuinely grateful.
I wholeheartedly wish Eva and her husband a smooth transition and a joyful life here in beautiful British Columbia. May this new chapter bring them stability, happiness, and every opportunity they deserve. She is truly unforgettable, and I feel honoured to have been part of her journey.”
– Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
A Final Note of Gratitude
Eva holds deep appreciation for the support she received.
“I want to appreciate all the dedicated and excellent work that Anna Romaniuk has done with me and my husband. I can’t be more grateful. She’s very professional and knows exactly what the person needs, which is something very important and not easy to find. I’ve challenged her in many ways and she’s always thrived. No other organization has helped me more than her.”
Looking Ahead
Now fully engaged in her Education Assistant program, Eva feels aligned, motivated, and hopeful.
Her story is a testament to the power of preparation, persistence, and the right support at the right time.
Story prepared by SOPA BC Team, Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor