Hans Vega
Documentarian: David-James FernandesCOUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Colombia
DATE OF ARRIVAL: 2007
“I heard that Canada had the most huge protection of human rights… that was the principal reason for my coming to Canada,” says Hans Vega.
Arriving in Canada last year with little more than pocket change and ambition, Hans thought his bachelor’s degree in law and wide range of direct experience would pave the way. He set out to pursue his dream of expanding his professional experience in a country where he would feel valued and safe.
Little did Hans know the difficulties he would face in getting his foot in the door of the legal field. In the meantime, he’s been able to share support and strategies with other immigrating professionals at the Mennonite New Life Centre in Toronto (MNLC). Hans even provides legal advice on a volunteer basis to fellow newcomers through the MNLC’s “Newcomer Skills at Work: Refusing to Settle for Less” program.
His journey has been an emotional one, and Hans opens up in this interview about the ups and downs of going it alone in a new country with unending skills and optimism.
