When Sumanpreet Kaur Brar was 18 years old, she made a decision that changed the trajectory of her life.
We spoke with Kaur Brar, 26, Living Water Resort member services manager and Georgian College instructor.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: In the northern part of India, in Punjab.
When I turned 18, my mom said she wanted me to choose something where I could independently grow. In India, parents are very protective.
My mom was very supportive. She said to go somewhere where I could feel like my own self.
When I was 19, I decided to come to Canada.
Q: Can you tell me about that experience? Why did you choose Canada?
A: It was really difficult, but it was something I really wanted to do.
I wanted to learn hospitality in Canada because that’s what I’ve learned in my culture. I wanted to find new challenges so I can know more about the world. I love travelling.
I chose Georgian College South Georgian Bay because of the location. There were two colleges on my list: LaSalle College Vancouver and Georgian.
They had this program in Barrie too but I wanted to go somewhere that was not city vibes, but a town where I could feel nature, where the beauty is.
Hospitality is tourism, so I wanted to see where tourists come.
I grew up in a very big city in India, and I thought something different would be better for me.
I got notice that some seats were available. I came here five days before school started.
Q: How is Collingwood different from India?
A: First, it’s not crowded.
There are cultural differences. In India, you know everybody. Here, you’re trying to learn about people, and the language.
When I first came here, I was panicking. I thought if I fell, there was no one here to take care of me. I learned to cook. You have to make your own bed and clean your own dishes here.
It was shock after shock for a few weeks, but after that, it was normal.
Q: After completing the hospitality program, where did life take you?
A: Georgian had tie-ins with Blue Mountain and Living Water. I cleared the interview for front desk.
When I started at the front desk, this was something I really wanted to do. After my co-op, I started working here full-time. They wanted to make me a supervisor but because I was a student, I couldn’t do it.
When I was able to work 40 hours a week, they promoted me. I wanted to explore more through this company, because there are so many different departments.
I got a proposal from the Vitality department, which is sales. I’m the member services manager.
Q: What are your future aspirations?
A: This is what I want to do, but I would like to explore more cities and towns.
But, Collingwood is where I’m going to live, for my whole life.
Q: Has your perspective changed on moving to a new country in hindsight? Would you recommend it to others?
A: Absolutely.
If you want to find yourself, you have to come out of your comfort zone. India was my comfort zone. If I would have stayed there, I would not have grown.
It’s my life. I had to make the best out of it.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: When I’m not working, I love dancing. I love singing, but I can’t sing in English; only my local language. I can speak English, Punjabi and Hindi. I paint.
Q: You now teach at Georgian College. Why was it important for you to do that?
A: What I got from this community, I wanted to give back.
I’ve come full-circle; I’m teaching front desk.
I was so happy to have this opportunity. At first, I was nervous, but I wanted to share my own experience.
I tell students, if I can do it, you can do it. There are so many opportunities in this country, and healthcare is included. The government supports you so much here.
Not every country does that.
