I used to think volunteering was less important than working as an employee, but my experience at Kamloops Immigrant Services changed my mind. From the start, everyone welcomed me warmly. I joined events like a Thanksgiving dinner, where I tried Canadian foods such as turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. I also went to a pumpkin patch, which gave me a chance to talk with immigrants and see how these activities help them feel more connected to Canadian society.
Through these experiences, I realized how important the organization is for newcomers who may feel stressed or unsure in a new country. I also learned about Canadian workplace culture, where relationships are equal, communication is open, and people work together in a friendly way.
Some tasks, like washing dishes or organizing papers, were simple, and sometimes there was nothing to do when no events were happening. But overall, this fieldwork taught me things I could never learn just from studying or traveling. It became a valuable experience that broadened my perspective, taught me about cultural exchange, and showed me the real impact of volunteering on both the community and my own growth.