Embracing the Canadian Way of life

Upon my arrival, I was immediately struck by the cultural diversity and the warm embrace of its people. While this land serves as a beautiful mosaic of various origins, it’s astonishing to witness how all these diverse backgrounds come together to form a single, unique Canadian culture. How this binds them all together, creating a sense of unity and inclusivity is truly exceptional.

What continues to amaze me is the inherent sense of discipline and order that effortlessly threads through every facet of life here. Whether it’s the precision in public transportation schedules or the strict adherence to societal norms, there’s a profound acknowledgment of the importance of following rules and contributing to the greater good. It’s astonishing how standing out from this collective adherence can be so noticeable, emphasizing the harmony within this shared discipline. This disciplined approach to daily life is having a profound impact on my routines and outlook.

What’s fascinating is that no one obliges you to toe the line; rather, it’s almost instinctual, something hardwired into the culture.

Being a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the advanced state of technology I’ve encountered here. What sets it apart from my home country, even though we have similar tools and services, is the seamless integration of technology into everyday life. It’s not just the occasional use of tech; it’s an integral part of the lifestyle. For instance, I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of public services, from user-friendly online government portals to the sheer ease of electronically handling bill payments. These aren’t occasional tools but part of daily life. And while in my home country, ordering groceries online for home delivery is more of a sporadic luxury, here, it’s quite the opposite, an everyday convenience that’s transformed my routine.

But perhaps the most striking difference has been in the financial industry, given my background in that sector. In Rwanda, I was accustomed to a developing financial landscape, where access to banking services and the dream of credit cards was still out of reach for many. Here on the other side, the financial industry is at the forefront of innovation, with a well-established banking system that has made credit cards and financial transactions easily accessible.

The banking infrastructure is robust, with seamless online banking platforms, user-friendly mobile apps, and advanced ATMs that allow me to carry out a wide range of transactions with incredible ease. What’s more, I’ve been greatly impressed by the accessibility of investment opportunities (Yes, I’ve already started thinking about them) designed to empower individuals to take control of their financial futures.

One of the key factors I’ve observed is the strong emphasis on financial literacy and education here in Canada. In Rwanda, such resources were relatively scarce, leaving many without the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. Here, there’s a thriving culture of financial education, with a wealth of resources available to assist individuals in managing their finances wisely.

In summary, my journey has been an eye-opening experience in many ways. I continue to be inspired by the cultural diversity, the discipline, and the remarkable technological advancements. The advanced financial industry, in particular, has provided me with insights and opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined before.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, even from afar. I look forward to sharing more stories and insights as I continue to embrace the Canadian way of life.

~Emmanuel