When I moved to Canada from Israel two years ago, it was both an exciting and challenging chapter of my life. I arrived with my husband and our three children, full of hope, but also faced the many realities that come with starting over in a new country. Like many newcomers, I had to navigate finding employment, settling my children into good schools and building a new social circle from scratch.

As an internationally trained physiotherapist, I understood that continuing my professional journey would take time. I was fortunate to secure a position as a rehabilitation assistant at Surrey Memorial Hospital. While I was grateful for the opportunity, I did not expect how deeply this experience would impact me—not just professionally, but personally.

From my very first days on the medicine unit on 5 East at Surrey Memorial Hospital, I was met with kindness, patience and genuine warmth. My colleagues didn’t just help me adjust to a new workplace; they welcomed me into a community. They supported me through challenges, celebrated my successes and treated me with respect and appreciation for the work I was doing. What touched me most was that their support felt sincere – people were truly happy for me when things started falling into place.

Coming to work each day became something I looked forward to. The friendly faces, the teamwork and the sense of belonging made a profound difference in my life during a time that could have otherwise felt isolating. I not only felt seen as a professional, but as a person.

Today, I feel incredibly grateful and fortunate. I have the opportunity to learn from skilled and compassionate colleagues, grow within the health care system and call my coworkers friends. This experience has reminded me that beyond professional achievements, it’s the human connection and kindness that truly make a place feel like home.