Before moving to Canada, the term community held little meaning to me. I associated it mostly with school student or alumni groups, or with social movements. But seven years ago, when Adrian and I left Mexico, my perspective on almost everything shifted, including what community meant to me.

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, Latino 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 became part of my everyday vocabulary and began to 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.

Our families and circle of friends—some in Mexico, but most here in Canada—many of whom share an immigrant background with us, 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. Because they’ve gone through their own immigration struggles, they’ve formed bonds with us 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.

Thank you for reading!