Community Profile: Daniela
This week our new student Daniela gave us an interview for the community profile. Daniela started with MOSAIC just last week in our Speaking & Fluency afternoon class. Thanks for sharing with us Daniela!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Daniela and I am a 52-year old woman from Brazil. I am a pharmacist and my background involved work with quality and food safety systems. I love new experiences, trips and learning new cultures. I am a happy person and I love making new friends.
I have lived in Vancouver briefly in two previous occasions. This time, I moved to Vancouver in January 2024 for study and work. I believe this is a major challenge in my life, as a single mature woman starting a new adventure in another country. I am excited about the future opportunities that await me in Canada and I look forward to the amazing new people I will get to meet.
How do you spend your free time in Vancouver?
I spend my free time in outdoor activities on the weekends. In British Columbia, there are many wonderful places to visit. There are many parks for hiking and sightseeing. You can also go to beaches, museums or for a simple walk around the city. I love hiking and Deep Cove is my favourite place in Metro Vancouver. I have previously only experienced Canada in the winter but now I will be here for the other seasons. The spring has been beautiful, with all the beautiful colours in the city. I had the opportunity to go to the Harrison Tulip Festival, it was pristine. The Kitsilano beach is an amazing place for a picnic with friends.
What are some challenges you have faced with moving to Canada?
The challenges that I have faced with moving to Canada were the language, culture, health, weather, communities, and cost of living. I live with my cousin, and he helps me with many things. I have made many friends, and this has been very important to help me overcome the challenges. One very interesting thing about Canada is that there are many places that help you build a support network. Many organizations like Mosaic support newcomers.
Which place would you recommend to someone visiting your country?
Brazil is a wonderful country, with many States and each one of them has different characteristics. My hometown is a beautiful city, named Belo Horizonte, located in the State of Minas Gerais. It has a very pleasant climate with many mountains and waterfalls in a greater Belo Horizonte. The cuisine from my State is very famous due to its flavours, smell, and variety. The most famous food is the “Pao de queijo”, “cheese buns” in English. It is fantastic, and I highly recommend it.
Another place to visit is Fortaleza, in the State of Ceara. I love its beaches, the warm water and beautiful nature.
How are you enjoying your time at MOSAIC?
My friend from Colombia recommended MOSAIC to me. I’m enjoying my time at MOSAIC a lot, because it is helping me improve my English, in speaking and fluency class.
The teachers are good and extremely attentive. I have colleagues from different countries in my class and the engagement is very good. It has overall been a great experience.