WHO AM I?

Ah the good ole' existential question of who am I? Well, not really interested in boring anyone with my life story, but I can highlight a few of the things that mean the most to me and in turn take up most of my time.

I am a Toronto based social worker who works on empowering and assisting those who are on the street or under-housed struggling with various barriers. Designing feasible and comprehensive solutions to housing and employment challenges for my clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. In addition to my full time job, two years ago I founded my own NGO, International Collective Operations Aiding Refugees and Migrants. I use my vacation time at work to travel to sustain projects that are initiated through my NGO. This summer, my team and I built a free transport system for refugees living in the outskirts of Athens. The project supports refugees throughout all stages of their asylum application process, in addition to the transition of the humanitarian crisis from emergency response to social integration. The service caters to the transportation needs of the asylum seekers, providing assistance for asylum seekers including: Attending Relocation and Family Reunification interviews; Attending medical appointments; Attending legal appointments; Attending social programmes and workshops at various social centres; and Grocery shopping (for those residing in camps far from shops or markets).

During my times at the camp or on my job in Toronto, I love to dive into my hobby: Photography. I am a newbie so I am not here to make a large photographic presence. But I do love the process of capturing beautiful moments to the best of my ability. These are some of my most beloved photos, each with a story attached to it:

I don't know what's more beautiful, the colour of those perfectly sun cooked peaches, or the flush of her round sun kissed cheeks. I hope this photo makes you glow on the inside with bursts of summer colors as it does me. May it inspire you to send happy thoughts and positive vibes towards the girl sharing her fruit.

He is 3 years old. He caught my eye when he smacked a little girl on the head and ran away laughing. Later he chased me around the hallways and kicked me in the shins. Devil child I thought. Another day he smacked the peach I was biting into out of my hands. His toothy smile despite his majesty's mischievous behaviour won me over. I met with his dad later and learned that this little boy was being raised without his mother. His mother and sister are awaiting to be reunited with his father and this little boy in Switzerland. Purya is being raised without the affection of a mother during his developmental age. The borders separate this little family. The father with whom I chatted in broken French with is doing his best. He is trying to be a mother and father to this little boy. "Me mama and me baba" he pounded on his chest. He was devastated when we spoke because the dentist had scolded him a few hours ago on Purya's dental hygiene.

I was just about to leave the camp, approximate 10 30 pm when this group of little girls dragged me to their little play room to play a game. They turned of the light and told me to count to 10. When I finished counting I was to play the role of a police officer and try to catch one of them so they could play officer in the next round. I don't think they realized that as a big girl I could easily catch them in seconds around the small space. I got over confident and tripped over a chair. As I laid there stupified, they crowded around me to kiss my cheeks. Anila, the girl directly to my right pretended to snap a kodak picture of the moment. Overwhelmed and so in love with these angels, I asked for a real picture so I could remember what it feels like to have 10 angels kiss your cheek for real.

These snippets of my memories are the highlight of my life both at a personal and professional level. Beyond my work and love for photography, I love to travel. I can't let the year go by without packing my backpack and making my way somewhere new into the world. I love to travel, but more importantly I love to explore new cultures, and meet new people. I love to learn and to grow. I am not afraid to be proven wrong, and I do not resist the growing pain of having to change my perspective. Being out into the world is more than just seeing a few fancy buildings and eating exotic food. It is an overwhelming experience and whirlwind of emotions. I have missed flights, had a few frighting quarrels, but I have always been left with the utmost positive after taste.

I care a lot about justice and human rights and probably will post a lot about that as well. I finished school 4 years ago completing a Masters degree in Public Policy and Governance. I am opinionated about things that make me mad and am not afraid to share my opinion. I also welcome opposing opinions from others.

I said I wouldn't but as a wrap up, a bit about my background: I was born and raised in Albania and immigrated to Canada 15 years ago with my parents and siblings. 1 Year ago I had the pleasure of marrying my husband who is from Pakistan. I may do a post or two on the pros and cons of interracial marriage not because I am an expert by any means but it is a nice dialogue to have.

Okay, I think that's all I can afford to share for the time being. Looking forward to being part of the Steemit community and in learning from my fellow Steemers.

Always,
Love Without Borders