Community Profile: Sam
This week our Community Profile is Sam, who is in our Advanced ESL class. Sam comes from China and recently relocated his family to Vancouver. He gave us an interview about his experience in the city and at MOSAIC. Thanks for sharing with us, Sam!
Tell us about yourself
Hello! My name is Sam Ma, and I’m originally from Shanghai, China. After working in China for more than ten years, I moved to Canada with my family to start a new chapter of our lives. I work as a filmmaker when I was in China, mainly focusing on short films and advertising production.
Since moving here, I’ve realized how important good communication is for connecting with people and understanding local culture. That’s why I’m working hard to improve my English, so I can better integrate into the local community and build new friendships.
How do you spend your free time in Vancouver?
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, as there are so many beautiful mountains to explore around Vancouver . The scenery changes wonderfully with the four seasons, and each one shows a different side of the city’s beauty. I also like to go cycling and play badminton with friends. On weekends, I love spending time outdoors and going on short trips with my family.
What are some challenges you've faced moving to Canada?
Professionally, the transition has been quite challenging. I had over ten years of experience in the advertising and film industry in China, When I came to Canada, I needed to rebuild my professional network and understand the local business environment. It’s been a learning process, but it also gave me a chance to expand my creative skills and adapt to a new working culture.
What place in your country would you recommend to a visitor?
I would recommend visiting the city of Chengdu. It’s well known for its spicy cuisine, especially hotpot and malatang, which are so famous that you can even enjoy them in Vancouver. Another unique aspect of Chengdu is mahjong — it’s a very social game, especially popular among older people, and you can see it played in teahouses and parks all over the city. Chengdu is also home to the giant pandas, so visiting the panda base is a must. With its relaxed lifestyle, delicious food, and rich culture, Chengdu offers a truly memorable experience.
What do you want to achieve in your time with MOSAIC
During my time with MOSAIC, my main goal is to be able to communicate as naturally as local people. Another important thing is that I want to meet friends from different places and share experiences with people from diverse backgrounds. This will help me feel more at home here and enjoy life in Canada.