Misty Laudato
After completing my bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management in the Philippines, I gained over 14 years of experience in office management, administration, as well as intellectual property management, working at institutions such as Weill Cornell Medicine and Qatar Foundation.
Canada seemed like the perfect fit, as it was a place where I could further my education and my husband could be closer to his family. I had already experienced the Canadian educational system through online classes at McMaster University, and I’ve always been interested in getting a master’s degree. I chose the University of Niagara Falls Canada because of the hands-on learning approach and smaller class sizes. I also prefer the interactive aspect of in-person classes.
The adjustment to life in Canada has been more seamless than I expected in some ways. I acquired my driver's licence only two weeks after I moved, which gave me the freedom to go wherever I wanted. I was also fortunate to secure a job almost immediately, which alleviated a lot of pressure.
The most challenging aspect of living in Canada has been the weather. Coming from the Middle East where the weather is warm all the time, the winter weather in Canada has been quite a shock for me. I’m still getting used to the cold.
Still, I had to adapt to a lot of changes. One thing that has helped me cope is how supportive our landlord has been, not only in helping us understand the system and cultural nuances of Canada, but also by being patient with us as newcomers. As well, some of my friends from Qatar came to visit during my first month here. This really helped because I got to see some familiar faces among the unfamiliar surroundings. Reflecting on my journey, I think staying proactive and leaning on the people around me were key to making my move to Canada successful.
Currently, I am working three jobs, volunteering, and studying full time. It sounds like a lot, but I have learned to balance it all.
My landlord recommended me to Elgin Falls Retirement Community, where I am working as a concierge. I enjoy working with the elderly, as in my culture, we are taught to respect and care for the elderly. I’m proud to share that our workplace recently unionized, and my colleagues voted me as their unit chair. I also work at HomeInstead, where initially my application was rejected. I had applied because my husband used to work there, but I was not successful. However, after a month, I contacted them again and they hired me! This taught me that persistence can pay off. Finally, I found a role as a digital coordinator at Myco Pet. Back home in Qatar, I used to rescue dogs, so working in this role felt like a perfect fit to combine my love for animals with my digital skills.
As for volunteering, I learned about the Meaningful Visit Program with the Alzheimer’s Society through the UNF Opportunity Board. When I saw this role, I applied right away. To be honest, when I first moved to Canada, I wanted to work at UNF because of my professional background. However, the opportunities presented to me in Canada redirected me to something unexpected – a path focused on care, service, and meaningful human connection. I believe God has other plans for me, and I am finding a greater meaning in life within my working and volunteer roles.
My advice to new and current UNF students is to start exploring and joining social media communities for international students and newcomers before you arrive. This helped me set realistic expectations about everything from weather and the job market to daily life.
I also recommend being financially prepared. I was fortunate to find work immediately, but that's not always the case. Having enough savings to sustain yourself for at least a few months while you settle in and search for opportunities can really help alleviate the pressure of finding a job right away.
Additionally, when it comes to finding work or volunteer positions, referrals can help. However, I’m a firm believer that you should follow your heart and your passion. When you do work that genuinely excites you, you’ll shine brighter than you think.
Lastly, remember that rejection can be a redirection. Don’t give up after one “no” – your persistence matters. Especially if you’re here with family or small kids, don’t give up! Your efforts will pay off, and you’ll be rewarded with a good life for yourself and your family in a new country.
This testimonial was sourced from Edition 5 of Journeys, UNF's digital storybook. This edition explores how students navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and discover unexpected opportunities that help shape their long-term goals and personal growth.
