Dilsora Fozilova

I came to Canada in 2005. At that time did not know the English language or the drastically different culture. I will never forget the feeling of helplessness I had when we landed at the International airport of Calgary and my two little boys were so very thirsty, and I didn’t even have the words to ask for something as simple as a glass of water. It seemed unimaginable for me to learn and master the English language and obtain a university degree in three years - with an excellent Grade Point Average while raising my two children on my own.

I have come a long way since then. I attended NorQuest College to learn English in order to find a job, and provide for my children. I have become fluent in English; I have attained an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta; I have purchased a home and become a fully functioning and contributing citizen of Canada. I have also dedicated time to volunteer at University of Alberta, NorQuest College, Catholic Social Services and McArthur Elementary School by helping new immigrants to improve their English. This is my way of appreciating the Canadian government for the kindness and humanity I received.

I stepped into university with one thing in my mind; I wanted to become a knowledgeable professional and hopefully contribute to the common cause of peace in the world. This decision was an outcome of my life experience in advocating for human rights and rights of the children who were forced to work in the cotton fields from the age of nine in Uzbekistan.

My interest in the politics of Russia and Central Asia is the outcome of my life experience in those regions. The implicit character of the region’s political and social structure, including dictatorship, media censorship, forced child labour, suppression against journalists, politicians and members of the human rights organizations, torture in the jails, declining environment and health care continue to be major issues worldwide. My goal is to dedicate my life to advocating for the rights of those who are unable to reach the international community.

It takes a very strong personality, hard work ethics, determination, passion, and a positive attitude to leave an entire life behind and immigrate to a new country. I believe my experiences have strengthened me in many aspects of my life and have revealed my resilience and willpower to succeed in life, no matter what I encounter. These experiences have also allowed me to connect to the pain and suffering people endure every day and this strengthens my resolve to help others in any way I can.

My success story started at NorQuest and I am so proud of where I am today and excited about my future. This April, I am graduating from University of Alberta, with double degrees in Political Science and Sociology and applied in few graduate studies and law schools in Canada. Thanks to NorQuest for being such an amazing educational institution for keeping hopes alive and encouraging students to believe in themselves.