Cathy Dobson Ankit Sinha is a man who likes adventure. He loves new places, new perspectives and lots of conversation. “I like to talk,” he says, smiling. “And I like to challenge myself.
Cathy Dobson
Ankit Sinha is a man who likes adventure.
He loves new places, new perspectives and lots of conversation.
“I like to talk,” he says, smiling. “And I like to challenge myself.”
At age 28, Sinha arrived in Sarnia seven months ago from India where he was born, raised, educated and had an established career.
“I worked for about 10 years doing market research and I could see that work in another country would pay much better,” he said.
An uncle urged him to go to the United States. But Sinha carefully weighed his options and chose to come to Sarnia after learning about Lambton College.
He had already earned a degree in commerce and a Masters in marketing in India, but enrolling as an international student in Lambton’s business management program will allow him to explore the region and experience Canadian culture, he said.
Sinha is one of eight international students who will tell their personal stories at the next Ignite Sarnia event.
Ignite Sarnia is a free speakers’ forum that allows five minutes for each participant to tell their story. This time Lambton College teacher Lois Nantais wants to showcase what international students bring to the Sarnia community.
The college has about 500 students attending from around the world and each has a personal story about their country of origin and why they chose to come here, said Nantais.
“I’ve learned over the years that international students are hidden gems among us with wonderful stories that can be truly awe inspiring.”
Sinha, for instance, intends to talk about cultural misunderstanding.
“One of the reasons I chose Canada is that I didn’t believe it’s racist,” he said. “I still believe that’s true but now that I’m here, I have learned that Canadians get frustrated with Americans because of how little they know about Canada.
“That reflects my frustration about Canadians and how little they know about India. I’ve had many people say they are impressed I speak English and that I have a cell phone.
“They think of India as just this big country with a lot of poverty. I want to break the shackles of those stereotypes.”
Oz Lopez Lastra, 30, is another of Ignite Sarnia’s eight speakers. He’s originally from Mexico City and spent his childhood in the United States with his family.
“I’ve been looking for a place to live where I’ve felt comfortable. I never felt like I fit in anywhere until I came to Canada,” he said.
“As soon as I stepped off the plane, I saw how diverse the immigration officers were and I felt my own self.
“I love Sarnia.”
The eight speakers come from Nigeria, India, Venezuela and Mexico and have very diverse experiences; some sad, some powerful, some insightful, said Nantais. Speakers take the stage Nov. 29 at the Sarnia Library auditorium, followed by a reception at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Ignite Sarnia Shadows and Light, the personal stories of Lambton College’s international students.
WHERE: Sarnia Library auditorium, 124 Christina St. S
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 29. 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., followed by a one-hour reception at the Lawrence House.
TICKETS: Free admission, but registration required at https://whatisfound.eventbrite.ca.
