Before moving to Canada, the term community held little meaning for me. I associated it mostly with school student or alumni groups, or with social movements, neither of which felt personally relevant. But seven years ago, when Adrian and I left Mexico, my perspective on almost everything shifted, including what community means.

Today, in the multicultural city where we live, this term is often used to describe groups of people with a shared cultural or ethnic background—the Chinese community, Latin community, Greek community, and so on. In addition, while working in radio and journalism, I often covered issues related to specific communities, such as Indigenous or LGBTQ+ groups in Canada. That’s when the word community began to enter my everyday vocabulary and carry more weight.

On top of that, last year our immigration process became increasingly complex. We’ve been navigating stress and constant uncertainty. Yet throughout all of this, one key element has not only supported us but has helped keep us emotionally and mentally grounded: our community.

And I don’t mean the Latin or Mexican community. I’m talking about our families and circle of friends (some in Mexico, but most here in Canada) many of whom share an immigrant background. They consistently check in on us, stay hopeful with us, and help brainstorm solutions whenever new challenges arise.

It still amazes me how people who came into our lives only a few years ago can respond with such natural empathy and care. Having gone through their own immigration struggles, has created bonds at a truly meaningful level.

It’s become a bit of a saying between Adrian and me: the more delays, bad luck, or red tape Canadian bureaucracy throws our way, the more supported we feel by our community. And that’s priceless!

At this point, we’re confident that this tough chapter will come to an end soon. It has to. And when it does, we’ll know the victory won’t be ours alone, it will be a community victory.

In the meantime, I’ll keep my fingers crossed to help move things along. It can’t hurt.

Thank you for reading!