Archana Kotwal

As an immigrant writer, arriving in Canada was both exciting and overwhelming. While I had a decent foundation in English, I often hesitated to speak up in groups, worried about making mistakes or sounding “different.” This shyness became a barrier not just to expressing myself, but also to building the connections I deeply craved in a new country.

Taking the ELT course was truly a turning point. It wasn’t just about grammar, pronunciation, or my accent; it was about confidence. Our instructor, Marcella was patient and encouraging, creating a safe space where no question felt silly and every voice was valued. We practiced real-life conversations, shared personal stories and views, and slowly, I felt my hesitation melting away. Ryan helped us with workplace know-how and improved our CVs and cover letters. Both Marcella and Ryan went above and beyond to make sure that my CV and cover letter sounded like mine and responded to my SoS messages even in their time off.

Most importantly, the course helped me find a sense of community. I met fellow newcomers from all over the world, each with their own dreams and challenges. We supported one another, laughed through our mistakes, and celebrated our growth.

Today, I speak with much more ease. I feel a little less like an outsider and more like a part of something. This course helped me reclaim my voice in a new land, and for that, I’m truly grateful