Geetika landed in Canada in July 2022 from India. “My journey to Canada is like any other new immigrant. It was filled with mixed emotions—excitement about new life ahead and a chance for new opportunities, but also a sense of loss, leaving behind family, friends, and familiar surroundings.” After coming to Canada, as a newcomer, she experienced a blend of excitement and challenges while adjusting to new surroundings, weather, and social dynamics.  

Before arriving in Canada, Geetika worked as an Assistant Professor and Head of Department at an engineering institution. She decided to move to Canada to explore career prospects. After landing in Canada, a friend recommended Global Gathering Place to Geetika. “GGP is very consistent in their approach. They provide the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to successfully adapt to life in Canada, which can significantly reduce the stress of settling in a new country.”  

Geetika has been attending various programs at GGP including Driving Theory, CPR & First Aid, IELTS Preparation, Swimming Without Fear, and WELL. She expresses that “all the programs are very knowledge-driven and can improve outcomes in various areas, such as employment, health, and education.”  

She highlights her experience in Swimming Without Fear as she had always had a dream to learn how to swim since she was a child. “GGP provided me this wonderful opportunity; it was not only about mastering a new skill but also overcoming a fear or barrier, unlocking a sense of freedom, and gaining confidence in the water,” she notes. “Janelle and the swimming instructor, Sara, were great. They used personalized guidance to overcome my challenges and motivated me to build my confidence in the water.”  

Geetika is currently working as a Customer Support Professional. Outside of work, she has a passion for singing and music which keeps her feeling balanced and adds joy to her life.  

Geetika’s advice for newcomers is that “success as a newcomer in Canada comes from a balance of hard work, continuous learning, patience, and openness to new opportunities. By embracing the resources available to you, being proactive about your personal and professional development, connecting with others, and maintaining a positive mindset. Success is a journey, not a destination, and each small step you take brings you closer to your dream life.”  
Geetika emphasizes GGP as “offering much more than just services—they provide a foundation for success, growth, and community. I am already taking advantage of lots of programs and services they offer, which helped me to navigate the challenges of settling in and working toward my personal growth.” 

Geetika was excited to join the WELL program because it offers an “exchange of knowledge and it’s a powerful act of connection, healing, and growth. The program is giving a platform to women to foster personal growth, building community, and empowering individuals to overcome challenges to achieve their aspirations and unites women across all backgrounds.”  

She notes that her biggest takeaway from WELL is that “women supporting each other is a transformative force which can create a powerful ecosystem of empowerment, growth, and success.”  

Her first day at WELL was an emotional one, “as all eyes filled with tears, listening to the heartfelt stories of each woman’s life struggles. The room resonated with raw honesty, creating a bond among women who, though strangers just moments before, found comfort in shared vulnerability. The experience became a turning point—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, women can find strength in their shared experiences and draw courage from each other’s journeys.”