“You’re Canadian Born – You Have It Easy”: The Story of Children of Marginalized Immigrants

Anonymous

As a Canadian-born child of Bengali immigrants, my journey has been one of balancing cultures, identities, and expectations. Growing up as the only Bengali student in a predominantly Chinese and Tamil neighborhood of North Agincourt, I didn’t have Bengali friends outside of family connections. As I got older, in high school more cliques were formed based on cultural similarities and I found it hard to fit in. When I tried to make Bengali friends on my own, I was either too Bengali or not Bengali enough when I started University – it did make me feel alienated at times. Surrounded by diversity, I developed a close group of friends from various backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives.

My early jobs—from my first job in food service at the Toronto Zoo thanks to a referral to community healthcare—shaped my understanding of work and resilience. I chose to take on these jobs as a way to see where I belong and begin my work life at 16. As I transitioned to roles in community healthcare, I was driven by my passion for making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Beyond skills, these experiences exposed me to the realities of racism and Islamophobia, which solidified my commitment to community health. I became passionate about public health issues like diabetic care, nutrition, and sanitation for women and children.

In 2016, attending the United Nations Youth Conference shifted my perspective, inspiring me to change my major from Neuroscience to Population Health. During the conference, I realized that health is beyond biological—it is deeply intertwined with social and economic factors that shape one’s well-being. A key takeaway was that global change starts locally, and addressing these broader determinants of health at the community level is essential. Now, as a Certified Associate in Project Management, I work to drive positive impact by applying this holistic understanding of health in my projects.

My first job as a new graduate became a turning point. After choosing to wear the hijab at the age of 23, my work environment shifted; a senior leader continuously belittled my work, and colleagues dismissed my knowledge of South Asian languages. These racial microaggressions prompted me to seek therapy and ultimately leave. That experience affected me negatively, it haunted me but it also changed my life and helped me make better informed decisions when finding a safe space in workforces. I realized the issue wasn’t my abilities but a culture unprepared for diversity. Now, I strive to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.

Through joining Women RISE at Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services (BCS) and also my volunteer work, I am rediscovering my confidence. I’m also dedicated to raising awareness among HR professionals about the unique challenges faced by children of racialized immigrants, advocating for fairer hiring and promotion practices. As a first-generation Canadian, I work to prove my value despite the barriers often faced by immigrant families.

Inspired by my family’s sacrifices, I aspire to complete a Master’s in a health-related field, launch a marketing agency to empower women-owned businesses, and keep making a difference. A reminder to myself—and to the girl who still loves Elmo, Barney, and Hilary Duff—is that everyone is special in their own unique way.

[List of Cooking Shows/Songs that keep the writer going]

Kindergarten/Preschool Years

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_t7pTfdYts&ab_channel=BarneytheDinosaur [WATCH TO UNDERSTAND REFERENCE]