Actually the funny thing is that I am not a Canadian, but it has always been my dream. But because I am not sure how to do it, I met some nice Canadians and now will try and stay in touch with what is going on in Canada... I know that will bring me closer to my dream, but I hope that somehow I become Canadian!

I work for a Merger and Acquisition company with offices all around the Globe. I am in DC. Went to school in Paris and now am working on My Masters in International Commerce.

Evgeni D., Arlington VA, British Columbia
February 14, 2006
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I graduated in 1989 from the University of Windsor with a nursing degree, came to the United States in 1993, and have worked in the United States ever since.

Currently I am a stay at home mom of two busy boys! Ages 2,4.

I do return to Canada at least 2-3 times per year to visit my immediate family in Sault Ste Marie and Hamilton Ontario.

And of course I can't omit the fact that there is nothing like the "REAL" Tim Hortons in Canada too!!

Heather K., Sterling Heights MI, Ontario
February 14, 2006
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I thought when I moved to New York City in 2000 that I was going to be here for a year or two. Five years later and I realize I have now established myself as a New Yorker (but will always be a Canadian!). The first few years here, I taught English to French students at a lycee. I decided to persue my career in education and received a Master's Degree in education and am now teaching at a progressive independent school on the Upper West Side. Recently married to the man of my dreams who happens to be an American, we happily live with our two dogs in our tiny apartment in Manhattan. I am hoping to connect with any Canadians in New York City.

Jill S., New York NY, Quebec
February 14, 2006
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I came to the US in the fall of 2002. I was begining my career as a Montessori teacher, in Arlington VA, and have now been teaching for 4 years. My University background is in Political Science, and orginally I wanted to work in International Law or for the Embassy in the US. I feel I have a unique perspective with my educational background, and now chosen career field with education and getting to live so close to the events of Washington D.C.

Every year I have spent the month of March studying Canada with my class, my mixed ages class of 3- 5 year olds find it fasinating that their teacher has come from a different country, they love learning the names of the provinces (which are far fewer than the number of states names they will learn) Most of the children also want to visit Canada after our long study. And everyone can identify the Canadian flag.

I came to the US for two reasons, one was for my job and the second was to be with my then, boyfriend, now husband. We met online through a chat room, and are actually one of the success stories, we have known each other now for 8 years, and have been happily married for 1.5 years.

I have found myself more patriotic towards Canada now that I am living on the other side, and I am also more proud to be a Canadian.

Most of our holidays are spent in Ontario visiting with my family, and we plan to return to settle in Ontario soon.

But I believe that my time spent here in the US has been both an eye opening experience, and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Amanda E., Brampton , Ontario
February 9, 2006
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I graduated from Nursing at a time when tough decisions had been made to cut positions in New Brunswick. I had no choice but to come to the United States to find work. The reception I received was overwelming. The administration at the hospital where I was hired kept stating how well trained the nurses from New Brunswick were. I was hired and have been working for the past 10 years. For the first seven years, I kept traveling back and forth every day. I quickly climbed up the ranks and now enjoy a wonderful career as a Director of Nursing. I later met the woman who would become my wife, build a house and now reside permanently in the U.S. I am proud to have my former Premier as our Ambassador and enjoy the opportunity to connect with other Canadians living in the United States.

Alain B., Fort Kent ME, New Brunswick
February 9, 2006
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I moved to the US to study international affairs at grad school in New York City in 2003. I graduated in 2005 and am now working at a not-for-profit called Jubilee USA Network in Washington, DC.

I love my work and the people I work with, but I miss Canada a lot. I go home to the Toronto area, where almost all my friends and family live, almost every (Canadian) Thanksgiving and for December holidays. I also spend numerous long weekends and summer vacations "up north" at the family cottage on Lake Huron.

I'm not sure what the future holds, but I plan to return to Canada - either Toronto or Ottawa - at some point. I have a real appreciation for other cultures and lifestyles having spent a significant amount of time in Europe (especially France), South Africa, Chad and Tanzania, but there is no place like home.

Sarah R., Washington DC, Ontario
February 9, 2006
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I was part of a group of people that started a software reseller company in Toronto in 1992. The opportunity came up to expand into the USA. When I heard one of the locations was to be Charlotte, NC. Since I had grown up around racing and knew that Charlotte is the heart of NASCAR, I said yes. My wife (who gives talks about Canada to Grade 5 classes), two sons and I have been here since July 1993 and our daughter was born here in 1996. Needless to say, we are entrenched. We get back to the Lake Ontario region twice a year in the summer and during Christmas to see the family. We still long for Tim Horton's coffee, Canadian chocolate bars, hockey, poutine and more.

Daniel J., Charlotte NC, Ontario
February 9, 2006
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My Name is Ardian, and I would like to thank the Canadian Ambassador McKenna and the Consul General in Boston, MA, Mr. Michel Tetu, for inviting my wonderful American girlfriend and I to a Boston event last night (3/13/06). We met Canadians living in the US and got to know life stories of each other in company of some good wine and food.

I am a Montessori teacher. I moved to Boston, MA for teaching in America was easier to get. I teach Math and History in a private school in Boston. I miss so very much Canada and its calm people, the food ... and why not ... its dry cold to compare with the wet cold of Boston. I miss my old friends in Toronto, but have got new friends here, especially my beautiful girlfriend.

Well, tell me about you!

Ardian M., Waltham MA, Ontario
February 9, 2006
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I came to the US in 1959 after being recruited by one of the 100 or so US aerospace companies that came to Toronto for that purpose -- after the AVRO CF-105 Arrow was cancelled. I was one of the design specialists on the AVRO Arrow and the CF-100. I was also an instructor at AVRO's engineering school who's emphasis was on recruiting and training Canadians to work at AVRO in the design department. I am now retired (2004) after working at NASA's JPL in Pasadena as a scientist for nearly 34 years. Some details of my work can be found in my CV on my web site www.VisualWhiz.com -- under the caption "About Peter". At this web site you will also find my photos of the LA Zoo, Renaissance Faire, etc. I welcome your comments. Most of my family lives in St. Catharines, Ontario and area -- where I, my wife, and daughter visit as often as we can. I would like to hear from others who worked at AVRO.

Peter W., Burbank CA, Ontario
January 26, 2006
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I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. My parents named me after Michelangelo (my middle name is David), and surrounded me with Renaissance imagery, from which I taught myself to draw. Therefore it was no surprise when I decided to attend the Alberta College of Art in Calgary, where I would eventually graduate with a Bachelors of Fine Arts (with Honorable Distinction). I continued my education at Cooper Union in New York City, the Royal College of Art in London, England, and most recently at the Art Center in Pasadena, California, where I obtained my Masters of Fine Art. While I use many materials in my artistic practice, my primary focus at the moment is semi-abstract landscape painting, based on sketches I make while driving on the freeways around Los Angeles. I am also a faculty member at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, where I teach painting, sculpture, video and animation to children and adults.

M M., Hollywood CA, Alberta
January 26, 2006
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