Community Profile: Özlem

Özlem took our Advanced ESL class at Metrotown this Spring, and this week she let us interview her about her life in Vancouver so far. Thanks Özlem, and best of luck in your future studies!

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Tell us about yourself

Hello, I'm Özlem. I come from Turkey and have been in Vancouver for about 3 months. I moved here with my 7-year-old son and my husband. I love practicing yoga and playing volleyball. Exploring new places is always exciting for me.

What is your favourite place in Vancouver?

My favorite place in Vancouver is Kisbey Park, which is close to my home. It's very peaceful, and it has a playground where my son can play freely.

What are some challenges you’ve faced with moving to Canada?

Moving to a new country is a challenge in itself. In the beginning, everything is foreign: the food, the stores, the language, and the culture. However, the hardest part has been missing family and friends from Turkey.

What is the best place in Vancouver to get food from your country?

We have found all the ingredients from our culture at Persian Market, Al Salam, and Mediterranean Turkish Market. For desserts that match our taste, Emilie's Sweet House has been a great find.

What do you enjoy about MOSAIC classes?

At MOSAIC, the staff are very kind and helpful. Our teacher is supportive and encouraging, and my classmates are very friendly. We've had a great time together. I'm glad I took classes at MOSAIC.