Ambition Leads to Success

“Yes, I am very ambitious,” declares Gian Paolo Fauni, a registered nurse who originally hails from General Santos City, and who, like many Filipinos, aspire for great things in life. “There are many things that I wanna accomplish such as buying my own place, travel the world,” he narrates. “But it is not very feasible if you’re only working as a contractual registered nurse in the Philippines.”

Just as other Pinoys have experienced roadblocks to their dreams, Gian is also aware that success is not without challenges. He knew that these goals have to take a back seat due to lack of better opportunities. But his ambitious nature did not allow him to just sit and wait. He had to take action.

Gian decided to pursue his Canadian dream, following the success of his friend who became a permanent resident in Canada with the help of DMI Pinoy Link Immigration Visa Services. His friend's introduction to the immigration consultancy company in 2012 became the first concrete step to Gian's application as an immigrant in Canada. “I always had trust issues, but seeing the success of my friend/colleague gave me the peace of mind to apply,” he relates.

Through the assistance of DMI Pinoy Link, Gian applied to become an immigrant in Canada in 2012. However, due to the pause in the Canadian Immigration process that year, he had to wait until Canada opened up their Federal Skilled Workers Program in 2013.

Instead of just waiting for the result of his application, Gian also became a more involved and proactive partner of his DMI Pinoy Link agent, noting that success would take joint effort. He recalls, “during that year of waiting, I did not just sit and wait for my agent to give me updates. I was very proactive and followed the CIC website everyday. I always messaged my agent of the updates I read online so we can act on it quickly.”

The waiting time did not matter at all for Gian especially when he received the approval of his permanent residence application in August 2013. The anxious delay he had experienced became a thing of the past.

“I was very ecstatic!” he recalls his feelings upon receiving the approval of his permanent residence application. “Immediately, I said a little prayer, thanking God for this blessing. I messaged my family and informed my fellow FSWP applicants on our Facebook group. It was a little sad as well as I know I have to leave my family and friends behind. But overall, I was really elated and grateful.”

When Gian arrived in Canada, he happily anticipated the new life he was offered. He also knew that he needed to adjust to the new environment when the so-called honeymoon stage was over. “Adjustment after the honeymoon period is very tough. I knew I cannot work as registered nurse right away so I worked as personal support worker/home support worker back then, which was a very humbling experience. It took me 20 months to get my license as registered nurse here in Ontario province. Also, I was used to having a househelper in the Philippines who did things for me such as laundry, cleaning my place, making my bed, cooking etc. But here in Canada, those became part of my duties. Adulting is really hard but on the bright side, I now know how to cook and keep house.”

Like everyone who is starting off in another country, Gian also had to be patient to prove his worth to his employers in Canada. He recalls, “There were incidents that prospective employers do not consider you for a job you are applying due to lack of “Canadian experience”. I have to keep trying and prove my worth.”

It did not take long for his hard work to pay off. Gian says he is now well-compensated as he presently has two jobs that are financially-rewarding: as a full-time registered nurse in one of the biggest hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, and as a virtual mental health nurse. He also serves as a board member in a microboard company.

“Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, where the government is free from corruption, where numerous services and assistance are available and where he feels safe all the time,” he says. “I always tell my friends to come over here. It’s a great country especially if you have kids. Education is free. Healthcare is free. There is a work-life balance and people are generally apologetic of everything. They also appreciate all the things you do regardless how small or big it is. No crab mentality culture. This list can go on and on. In summary, it is really worth it to start a new life here,” he added.

Gian acknowledges that DMI Pinoy Link became instrumental in fulfilling his dreams.“I have no bad experience with DMI Pinoy Link and I consider Ma'am Marj (the proprietor) as a good friend now. She always guided me along the way and made sure that when we submit our papers, it is not incomplete. She’s very accessible and always available when I need her. My agent, Miss Annie Quimpan, was very helpful and understanding of my worries. She was always there to calm me down and tolerated by brat attitude. All in all, the application process took just a year and I never felt they left me in the process. They’re always there for me 24/7.”

Now enjoying the good life in Canada, Gian still has many plans left in his to-do list. He excitedly says, “I love traveling so my future plans include travelling at least two to three times a year, starting next year when this pandemic is over. I have a lot of plans in the pipeline but I don’t want to jinx it so I’ll keep it to myself for now,“ he says with a smile.

After getting his Canadian citizenship in March this year, the nurse from Gensan looks back and relates his joy and satisfaction. He says, “It is really worth it to start a new life here”. According to Gian, his goal to migrate to Canada, which was propelled by ambition and motivated by his desire for another adventure in career and life, has been one of the greatest decisions he has ever made.