This First Individual article is the expertise of Lena Usovich, a Ukrainian newcomer in jap Ontario. For extra details about CBC’s First Individual tales, please see the FAQ.
As I stepped off the airplane in April 2022, the chilly air greeted me with an icy embrace that was no match for my skinny jacket. It was a harsh introduction to the infamous Canadian winters I had solely examine rising up in Ukraine.
It was the primary of many surprises and variations – bodily and cultural – that hit me from the second I arrived, pushing me in instructions I did not predict.
Usovich’s favorite place in her house nation of Ukraine is by the ocean. She’s pictured right here by the Black sea close to Odesa. (Vika Porcaru)
From Odesa to Kemptville
Earlier that yr, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine uprooted my life, forcing me to depart my homeland. Associates in Canada provided me sanctuary in Kemptville, a small neighborhood exterior Ottawa, and I hoped I’d discover security and a recent begin there.
Earlier than she arrived in Canada, Usovich, pictured on the left with a childhood buddy from Ukraine, stated she knew little about this nation, past maple syrup and Niagara Falls. (Submitted by Lena Usovich)
As I navigated Ottawa’s airport, I used to be struck by the busy environment and variety of faces, which made me notice simply how little I knew about this new world. My information of Canada was restricted to photographs of snow, maple syrup and the Niagara Falls.
The airport’s cleanliness and orderliness had been the primary shock — a stark distinction to the bustling power of Odesa. I used to be additionally greatly surprised by the politeness of the workers whose welcoming smiles differed from the blunter interactions I used to be used to again house.
Greater than two years after she arrived in Canada, Usovich displays on the cultural variations she’s studying to navigate as a Ukrainian newcomer. (Katerina Strutynska)
Canadian politeness
Since that day, I’ve discovered the politeness I encountered on the airport continues to be a part of day by day life in Canada.
In espresso retailers and on the road, well mannered greetings like “Hi there, how are you?” are widespread.
Initially, this was complicated. In Ukraine, such greetings are reserved for shut acquaintances who anticipate sincere responses. When a cashier in Kemptville requested how I used to be, I replied honestly, “Poorly,” as on that day, as on many, I used to be struggling to be glad and dwell life realizing the battle and destruction continues in my house nation.
I anticipated her to reply with concern. As an alternative, she replied, “I am good, too,” as if the query was a routine a part of her day and he or she hadn’t actually heard what I had stated.
Usovich, centre, and her Ukrainian newcomer pals ran a farmer’s market stand in Kemptville promoting meals and clothes impressed by their house nation. (Submitted by Lena Usovich)
At first, this superficial politeness was irritating. Nevertheless, I’ve come to see it as a distinction in cultural norms — a method of being pleasant and courteous, even when a honest reply just isn’t anticipated.
Whereas I nonetheless worth the sincerity of Ukrainian greetings, I now recognize how Canadian politeness makes me really feel acknowledged and welcomed.
Adopting these small exchanges has now turn out to be second nature two years later, and is an instance of how I am adapting to my new house.
For me, it is an ongoing studying course of to steadiness the nuances of a brand new tradition whereas holding onto the values of my homeland.
Usovich discovered work in a restaurant kitchen in Kemptville, although the previous journalist says she’d wish to discover a method to work with phrases. (Submitted by Lena Usovich)
Maintain it gentle
In Canada, I shortly seen a choice for lighter matters, like pets and the climate, for instance with colleagues at my new restaurant job speaking about their canines. In the meantime, in Ukraine, discussions about historical past, science or politics are widespread, serving as a method to join deeply and perceive others’ views.
At first, I missed the depth of Ukrainian conversations and located speaking concerning the climate unfulfilling. Nevertheless, I got here to understand how these gentle conversations function a social lubricant, making interactions clean and nice with out risking battle.
Now, I discover myself becoming a member of in, sharing tales about my pals’ pets and the ever-changing climate, which is as unpredictable as my temper.
Usovich, pictured cooking right here together with her Ukrainian roommate Katya, says she prefers cooking at house in Canada as a result of she misses the healthful conventional meals she ate in Ukraine. (Submitted by Lena Usovich)
Make-up earlier than breakfast
I am additionally studying to navigate cultural variations in terms of how I gown.
In Canada, individuals put on informal clothes and it is exhausting to discern their monetary state of affairs from their apparel. In Ukraine, there’s extra emphasis on appearances; girls all the time attempt to look polished, even simply taking out the trash. The saying “I haven’t got time for breakfast, however I do have time for make-up” displays this mindset.
At first, I discovered it jarring to see individuals wearing athleisure put on or hoodies on the grocery store or on the road. I used to be shocked when my Ukrainian colleague and I wore stunning clothes to the restaurant Christmas occasion, however most visitors dressed casually.
This alteration displays the shift in gender roles I’ve seen. In Ukraine, gender roles are extra conventional with clear distinctions between duties for women and men. In Canada, these roles appear extra fluid, as when a colleague matter-of-factly recommended we modify the vacuum cleaner bag ourselves as an alternative of asking a male colleague.
Whereas I like Canada’s method to gender equality, I just like the emphasis Ukranians placed on wanting good.
So, over time, I’ve struck a steadiness. I’ve embraced the Canadian method to model and prioritize consolation at work whereas selecting heels after hours. These contrasts mirror the large adjustments in my life, from working with phrases as a journalist in Ukraine to working with my arms at a restaurant in Ontario.
Usovich was compelled to depart behind her house and job as a journalist in Ukraine when the battle started. (Natasha Radzihovska)
Previous and new
Two years after I arrived right here, I am now exploring how you can carry my ardour for writing into my new journey, whether or not it is constructing a life in Canada, returning to Ukraine or venturing elsewhere.
Adapting to new cultures requires persistence and openness, however staying true to at least one’s roots and passions gives a significant path ahead.
My Ukrainian heritage stays a supply of power, guiding me by way of this transition. Regardless of the place I am going, my love for Ukraine and its traditions will all the time be a part of me.
Mixing cultures is each a problem and a ravishing evolution. It is about embracing new experiences whereas honouring one’s origins, permitting me to develop and thrive in a various world.
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