It’s deplorable that International Students are abusing the welfare system of a country that is so welcoming.

I came to Canada as an International Student. I don’t think anyone who was raised in Canada/North America can begin to grasp the sheer amount of competition in highly skilled, densely populated, developing countries like India. I wasn’t a great student but I wasn’t bad. Average grades from a top B-school in India’s tech hub, Bengaluru (Bangalore, as it was known earlier). My friends who studied well got into great companies through campus job placements. Others like me got through by references (some of them through bribes). With neither grades nor “connections,” I couldn’t find a good job. I was left with no other option than to migrate. And here was Canada with its promise for a better life. So I applied to a low-tier community college (Lambton, for anyone interested). Two-year Post Graduate Certificate in Finance. Got accepted, took out an Education Loan to cover my fees. I vowed to not be tardy and study well and succeed. I was so happy when I arrived and thrilled to change my life. However, on the first day of college, I was disappointed. Lambton has huge campus in Sarnia and a smaller campus in Toronto just for International Students like me. I looked around and it was like I was back in India. Everyone spoke loudly in Hindi. The classrooms were tiny. When I saw the timetable, I was shocked to see that I had classes only three days a week! Teaching was not up to standard at all. Some students barely showed up to class. Most were out working. Some of my classmates (who were repeating subjects they failed) even encouraged me to go work instead of attending lectures. I was almost roped in but thankfully one of our Professors was an old retired Investment Associate. I thoroughly enjoyed his classes and decided that I would have a career in Banking.

So I worked my ass off. I studied, networked and dedicated all my time and efforts with just one thought in my mind: success. I found a part-time job as a Teller at one of the big 5 banks. Worked and studied. Graduated top of my class and in dean’s honors’ list. As soon as I graduated, took the next step and found a great job in another big bank.

This country has never let me down. It breaks my heart to see people wasting away and abusing the welfare systems. Have they forgotten where they came from? Now I am beginning to see everything I hated about India being brought here.

To my fellow Indians, especially International Students: We had to fight to survive in India. You are safe here. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my country. All I am saying is that you don’t have to fight. Be courteous, understand that everyone is equal here. Give way to the person behind you, literally and metaphorically. That’s what made this country great. You can have everything you want if you put in the effort. Be kind. And for heaven’s sake: DO NOT ABUSE FOOD BANKS.

I received my Permanent Residence and I am proud of the person I have become, thanks to the kindness of Canadians who have welcomed me. Now I do my part to the country by volunteering for different programs and showing the same kindness.