Monday, July 30, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
– Building Your Brand VII- The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award
–
Building Your Brand VII -
The
Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award
(Canadian Immigrant Magazine - July 2012
Issue)
This article is to congratulate the Top 25 Canadian
Immigrants Award winners of 2012 and to the hundreds of people whose lives each
one of you have affected.
Being recognized for your achievements and the
dedication and efforts that each one has given back to Canada is not the end of
the journey but marks a beginning of a new one. I
know because I too am a past award winner.
Frame the actual award and hang it proudly where you
can see it every day so that it drives you to even greater heights in giving
back to this lovely country.
The Top 25 Award while seemingly is given to
individuals, stands for so much more. It marks the sign of success against
challenges and recognizes the determination and perseverance in reaching our
goals. It motivates countless of new immigrants who have come to Canada wanting
to make and live a better life. It encourages others to be selfless and count life’s
little blessings.
Our world after winning the Top 25 Award does not
change dramatically; no one comes and signs you on for a James Bond movie or invites
you to the Oprah show. As you were before, so shall you continue.
But with a
difference, people now listen more carefully and your words take on new
meanings. That is the recognition which the Award brings. A recognition to
yourself and a recognition from others and so like I do, learn to wear the
award proudly.
Our journey needs to be told as it is a story that helps
others in their journey forward and build new award winners of the future.
Many agencies that serve New Canadians have approached
me since the award and requested for a presentation to an adult audience. These
were newcomers who were interested to hear about Canada, about my journey and
take away lessons that they could apply in their day to day lives.
The time and effort in giving back has virtually
doubled since the award and every day makes me feel good and proud of what I
do, helping bring change to the lives of New Canadians. I get phone calls and
emails from many newcomers who want to reach out and hear my journey and this
is time well spent as they move on charged with renewed energy and drive. That
is the magic of the award; it lives on and energises lives of many others who
come in contact with you.
A leading television channel reached out to me and made a documentary
introducing newcomers to Canada, the camera crew spent time filming my day at
the office, at home and at several sessions where I was speaking to New
Canadians.
The immigration office recorded my interview and currently screens
it at pre arrival sessions held among soon to be immigrants from South Asia.
As a newcomer myself, sharing my story whether face to
face, in front of an audience or using social media, it is all about people
helping people and building what Canada is well known for – the best country in
the world to live in.
We have become Brand Ambassadors and have to dedicate
the effort and energy to others and to make dreams a reality.
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