In the summer of 2001, my family and I arrived in the city of Hamilton as landed immigrants, with a bundle of hopes to take advantage of the opportunities Canada has to offer. My motherland is Sri Lanka, but an economic downturn in Sri Lanka prompted us to decide upon a better place to live.

Canada was our first choice, a decision based on two key findings of our research. First, in 1997 the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) had ranked Canada as the number-one country in which to live, based on life expectancy, educational achievement and standard of living. Second, Canada was portrayed as a country that embraces and promotes diversity, as well as equality.

However, things were not very promising when we started our life here. Within weeks of arriving, 9/11 affected the Canadian job market. Fortunately, my husband was employed and he took care of the expenses. My challenge was finding the right job.

In Sri Lanka, I was employed in the corporate sector with much stability. Facing a standstill here, I felt uncertain of my value. From time to time during my job search, I suffered despair worrying if I would ever find the right job. I made up my mind to start where I am and with what I have, knowing that what I have is plenty. Then, I decided to look for volunteer work in my field.

Fortunately, the Community Centre for Media Arts had the perfect placement for me. Volunteering was self-satisfying, and my anxiety about the future disappeared immediately and magically. Since then I have worked in different workforce development agencies and attended night school to certify myself as a career counsellor. Now, I am employed in helping internationally trained professionals find placements in their occupation.

Integration into a new culture is not something that happens overnight. However, our two boys blended smoothly with the other children. Following the shock of 9/11, due to the prejudice of a group of students, they did experience exclusion within the school. However, with the support and upbringing at home they continued to feel good about themselves and treated others with respect.

I still remember our first winter. On Dec. 14, 2001, when snow started falling, we all ran outside and had a snow shower. Now we are all used to the four seasons and it would be hard to live in all-year-summer countries.

Hamilton is my second home. I admire the beauty it has shown me and the lessons it has taught me. I have visited many cities in Canada but none pleases me as much as Hamilton. Through the difficulties, I gained strength, courage and confidence.

Every city has its problems but Hamilton is a city moving in the right direction, despite its challenges. Today, I am proud to be a resident of Hamilton and a citizen of Canada.

I learned that as immigrants we do not need to defend ourselves against our new community, but to express ourselves to others. I am involved in a few community agencies engaged in moving the city's priorities forward, and knowing that I have a role to play, I am here to stay. Sometimes, I think of the past. I ask myself, "What if I did not come to Canada?" I do miss Sri Lanka now and then, but now my home is Canada and it is all about finding a balance.

If Sri Lanka and Canada ever play a game of cricket, I will have to divide my loyalty.

Sadhna Jayatunge lives in Hamilton.