Community Profile: Jihyeon
We’re excited to introduce you to Jihyeon, one of our students at MOSAIC Engage!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
While building a stable career, I reached a point where I found myself at a major crossroads, having to make an important decision about the direction of my life. I have always been a cautious and deliberate person, and I knew that if I kept calculating every possibility in my head, I might remain in a familiar place for years. Believing that sometimes bold action is more important than having a perfect plan, I decided to take a leap into the unfamiliar and come to Canada. Now, I am finding my own rhythm in this new environment and steadily moving toward a goal I have carried in my heart for many years.
How do you spend your free time in Vancouver?
In my free time, I enjoy taking quiet walks through residential neighborhoods and along the streets. I find that observing modern architecture that blends with the surrounding nature and unique homes helps clear my mind and often gives me new inspiration. At the same time, I am someone who gains energy from being physically active, so I regularly enjoy running. There is a wonderful sense of freedom when I run with the cool air around me, surrounded by Vancouver’s lush greenery and ocean views. I am currently training with the goal of completing the Vancouver Marathon next year so that I can experience the energy of this city in a whole new way.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced moving to Canada?
One of the biggest culture shocks for me was adjusting to the pace and communication methods of administrative and customer services. I was used to living in an environment where almost everything could be completed within minutes using a smartphone, so having to spend a long time on the phone with representatives and wait several days for things to be processed required a great deal of patience. Through the process of following up and coordinating multiple times to resolve a single request, I learned how important it is to clearly define and communicate exactly what I need. For anyone starting a new life in an unfamiliar environment, I would recommend putting all requests in writing when making contracts or handling important procedures, and keeping thorough records of all documents. I believe this habit can go a long way toward giving you greater peace of mind.
What place would you recommend to someone visiting Canada for the first time?
While the famous landmarks in the city are certainly worth visiting, I believe one of Canada’s greatest attractions lies in its vast and humbling wilderness. If you enjoy outdoor activities or extreme sports that challenge your limits, I would encourage you to venture a little beyond the city. Squamish offers the thrill of climbing its massive granite rock faces, while Whistler Blackcomb offers year-round activities such as downhill mountain biking (MTB), ziplining, and skiing. These are wonderful places to experience the dynamic and adventurous spirit of Canada firsthand.