A Strange Way of Growing On You
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By Riki Roy
We were living in Tanzania when our young son (he was in Grade 8) decided he wanted to do nanotechnology. I started to research for universities that offer nano as an undergrad program. I found that the University of Alberta in Edmonton would soon be starting this program. But where was this place called Edmonton? In Canada!
We applied for immigration to Canada. In March 2004 we arrived in Canada. Our entry to Canada was Calgary. As we walked up to the immigration officer he said, “Welcome to Canada” and asked a few questions and then commented, “You speak very good English,” and we were done. No opening bags or embarrassment or searching questions; I had tears running down my cheeks as he asked us to proceed to the terminal for our flight to Edmonton. We were being welcomed rather than ridiculed...this was a first! I could fall in love with this country. And we did. We became citizens on 12th May 2009!
We arrived in Edmonton not knowing a soul. My husband, Roy, left me and my son, Avishek, in Edmonton and went back to Tanzania to look after our business. I tried to get a job in my field here and was told that everything on my resume looked good except I did not have Canadian experience. I could not understand how Microsoft, my previous company of association , was different in Canada versus all over the world. Eventually, someone offered me a job at one-third of my usual annual income; I could not bring myself to accept it. With my husband back in Africa, I was now essentially a single parent having to meet the financial responsibility of raising our son. Roy encouraged me to look at business opportunities related to our experience. I was introduced to financial services. This I could relate to as we had been investing and planning and it is very natural to us.
Our intention was to help our son to get to university, settle him and then move back to Africa. Instead, Roy sold his shares in our business in Tanzania and joined us in this beautiful city we now call home. We started our own financial brokerage that does structured tax and estate planning; we have now grown to almost 30 agents between Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. This year I started another business..jpg)
One of my biggest concerns was what sport was Avishek going to play as he had never known the snow. I need not have worried. He is now an avid snowboarder, loves the mountains and the snow, and took to tennis one and a half years ago and wants to train professionally.
In a span of 5 years for me and my son, and 3 years for Roy, we have become citizens of this wonderful country and have a beautiful home in Edmonton. Our son is pursuing nanotechnology and may take tennis professionally. We live together as a family which we have never had the opportunity to do before (while living in Tanzania, Avishek attended boarding school for most of the year in Kenya). Many new friends have welcomed us into their families. The warmth of the people of this city is unparalleled. Edmonton has a strange way of growing on you and it did for us.
Thank you to the many Edmontonians who helped us make this our home. We could not have done it without you. After all, it’s not the place but its people that make the character.
Where Next?
Riki Roy
Riki and Roy have a financial brokerage on the West side of the city. Riki and Roy volunteer for charities at the casino, love the cultural diversity of Edmonton and enjoy the Fringe, Symphony Under the Sky, the rock concerts at Rexall, and the hockey games (Oilers fans obviously!). Their biggest passions remain teaching and creating successful entrepreneurs.
Avishek, when he is not studying or playing tennis or snowboarding, is training to be a currency trader so he can finance his research in nanotechnology.
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Comments about this Story
Your story has always amazed me and we are so happy to have met such a delightful family. Congrats on the citizenship, we need more people like the Roys !!
03-Jun-09 by Najla Elwenni
Riki this comes straight from the heart and I am truly happy to know that Canada has done wonders for you and your family and I have heard so much about the beauty of this country and hope to visit it some day soon.
03-Jun-09 by Mamta
Congratulations and more power! May your story and experience may touch more people and creative more positive energy.
03-Jun-09 by sheryl
Edmonton grows on you .............you only realize this when you are away !!
03-Jun-09 by abhijit
Ricki and Avishek, you guys have done it , well done and congrats.
03-Jun-09 by anup khanan
Congratulations on receiving your citizenship! It is my pleasure to have made your aquaintance. May you have many happy years of personal and business success here in Edmonton........ Cheers!!!
03-Jun-09 by Anna Kreamer
Hi Riki:
This is true story of lots of Canadians. Nice to read it and sure it does bring lots of memory of how I progressed in life and had an oppurtunity of becoming a true Canadian. Only difference is that i say go LEAFS go ....but at the end we all want is GO CANADA GO.....keep it up....
Manish (Proude Canadian)
03-Jun-09 by Manish Rughani
You speak of what Canada and Edmonton have done for you, if you only knew what you have done for Canada, Edmonton and the people who reside here. You, Roy, and your son are true blessings. Keep up the good work.
03-Jun-09 by Moe Charara
Congratulations on becoming a Canadian Citizen... you guys are a welcome addition to Edmonton and Canada. Wishing you continued success, health and happiness. God Bless
03-Jun-09 by Lyle Mozak
What an inpiring story. Riki and Roy are an inspriation to us all. Goes to show how hard work and dedication gets you ahead.... and they aren't even born here. Reminds me of my parents. Thanks for sharing your amazing story!!!
03-Jun-09 by Sonia Chies
Nice to know your story ....truly canada grows on you....
03-Jun-09 by Bhavna
Thanks for giving back! You touch lives not only by your inspiration also by doing whatever is needed in the moment! I love being in business with you.
03-Jun-09 by Lori
Congratulations on your citizenship! I'm glad you love Edmonton... I think I'll stay in Vancouver :)
Both you and Roy have been such an encouragement and blessing.
Love you both - glad you're here to stay!
03-Jun-09 by Sus
Congratulations on becoming Canadian Citizens. Riki, I did not realize that you have only been here 5 years. You are amazing!!!
03-Jun-09 by Zoë Afaganis
i didn't know you had good writing skills!
03-Jun-09 by Avishek
ricki, you were always positve, optimist and full of enthusiasm...I am glad after all the storied about the kenya trips things are working so well for you!
03-Jun-09 by priya
Awesome! Your courage is amazing. The energy that you radiate has people drawn towards you - hence the welcome. That not only says a lot about you but also the wonderful people who welcomed you! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us!
03-Jun-09 by Vivek Chopra
Lovely personal story....you've always been a winner Riki!
03-Jun-09 by Swarn Lamba
Congrats! And may the force be with you... and in Ed!
03-Jun-09 by Noni
Your story brings life to Edmonton! Congratulations on receiving your citizenship, I hope only the best for you and your family in the future :)!!
03-Jun-09 by Nadia Atwi
Riki/Avijit,
You have always been a wonderful couple.Your story almost tempts me to come to Canada.Very heartening.
Dipakda.
03-Jun-09 by Dipak Banerjee
Congratulations Riki you are living proof that the opportunity to succeed is still very possible in Canada. Your hard work and determination have served you well and I wish you success in all your future endeavours.
03-Jun-09 by Carol Ghosh
Knowing you and Roy for few months, I can say is you guys are wonderful, caring and very Inspiring. Wishing sucess in all your endeavours.
03-Jun-09 by Neeraj Chenanda
It is really exciting and satisfying to know how both of you have established yourself in Canada and created such an opportunity for our dear Abhisek. We still cherish the sweet memories of those days when we were staying in Nairobi and both of you used to visit us to spend some time with us. Well done ! - you have really done it! Keep it up. You will always be in our prayer to Almighty.
03-Jun-09 by Chandana/Sunil Sengupta
Riki no wonder why you love Edmonton,i felt same when i came to Edmonton in 2001.I hope Edmonton will keep its tradition of giving a warm welcome to all new people migrating to Edmonton.
03-Jun-09 by Harish Khanna
Hi Riki,
Nice to read your true story. This is really true for many of us including me. Hope your real story will inspire many of us. Keep it up.
04-Jun-09 by Kumud Dutta
Congratulations to both of you Riki and Roy. It is a pleasure to not only to have met you both, but to be in partnership with you in business, and to grow and be mentored by both of you. You are members of my family and always will be. We are all so proud of what you have accomplished and who you are as people. Blessings to your family from ours and here is to many prosperous years to come!!!
04-Jun-09 by Brent
Very encouraging and motivating!!
04-Jun-09 by Renuka
Riki, glad to know that you are doing well. Congratulations on receiving your citizenship. Wish we all the best for all your future endeavour.
04-Jun-09 by Amit & Gayatri Nandy
Mauritius has been a country of emigrants (though I am an immigrant here) - so the story is somewhat known to me. However, one of my relatives, a professional and successful lady just like you, is in similar quandary and this story is going to help her in many ways.
04-Jun-09 by Pratik
Riki and Roy, you are such a joy! you guys have a sweet spirit on you and am sure even in a forest, all the wilderness would adopt you. Miss you and love!
04-Jun-09 by Susan Katono
We are happy that you have achieved what you set out for and are together as a family. Best of luck!!
04-Jun-09 by Shikha
Riki this is a great summary of what you have been upto. Great to see that you have settled well in Canada and living a life of significance and achievement. Excellent article.
04-Jun-09 by Satyen Trivedy
I have known you for so long that I am not surprised about you making it in a suceess story wherever you go. I am glad to have you closer to us and Congratulations on the citizenship.....
04-Jun-09 by Sunita
When you started off on this "journey", you may have had doubts & as you prepared to settle down, some futher doubts may have cropped up. However, knowing you (both professionally & personally) I never had any doubts about the only possible outcome fo this "journey" & going by my expectations, you have only started.
You have miles to go..........................keep going!!
WELL DONE Roys
04-Jun-09 by Tejas
Congratulations on your citizenship. Now you can even visit America.
04-Jun-09 by Jaya Mehta
Beautifully expressed Riki! We live in the US (21 years!), but make an annual trip to Canada each year - just to experience the warmth of the people. I love the US, but would move to Canada in a heartbeat(and that goes for my entire family!). Canadians - you rock!
04-Jun-09 by Sumita Saini
good to have one more educated Indian family come to Edmonton and call it home.
04-Jun-09 by sunandini kumar
Awesome achievements,considering the challenges you faced.You are indeed a strong individual , very talented and intelligent.Congrats and keep it strong,Canada needs more people like you.
04-Jun-09 by mahesh
Hi Riki,
Great story and great to hear that you are doing well in Edmonton. But how come you left out your time in Uganda :-)
Best of continued luck
Jorn
04-Jun-09 by Jorn
Hi Riki,
What a wonderful story...surely you have made Canada/Edmonton you home. It's what I haveexperienced in my travels to that beautiful country. Inspite of it's cool climate.. the people a warm and welcoming! Congratulations on finding a new home for your family!
Ilona
04-Jun-09 by Ilona Dominguez
Very inspiring words about very inspiring people. It just goes to show that no matter where you are from and what obstacles enter your path, if you believe you can achieve!! Congrats Riki, Roy and Avishek!!
04-Jun-09 by Skyler Hardwick
So nice to know that you have found such a warm home in Canada. Congratulations!
04-Jun-09 by Nilanjana Bose
Welcome to Edmonton - permanently! Glad you like it and chose to stay.
04-Jun-09 by Debbie
Congratulations on your citizenship! Thanks for sharing your story! WISH YOU ALL THE BEST!
04-Jun-09 by Syamal Raha
We are so happy for Abhijit, Avishek and you. You guys are real achievers and manage to spread your magic wherever you are ........
04-Jun-09 by Falguni & Chitrita Sarkar
Congratulations on becoming Canadian citizens. A big asset to Edmonton community. You both are wonderful people. Trust me I know it first hand.
04-Jun-09 by Anu Khurana
Great works. I am so happy for both of you. Wishing Avishek all the very best in his currency trading venture so that he can achieve his passion; nanotechnology.
04-Jun-09 by Amit Kalia
Great story, I knew you'd make it! Congratulations on gaining citizenship & in the times I've visited Canada I think it's a great country.
05-Jun-09 by Brian Davies
What an amazingly, beautiful sorry! Your story will help to inspire my other people in their time of searching for something more out of their life. Congratulations on your citizenship! Canadians are very lucky to have such a wonderful and giving family live in their country.
05-Jun-09 by Oriana Profiri
very very inspiring story.congratulations on becoming canadian citizen.
05-Jun-09 by Deepak chauhan
I had the pleasure of meeting Riki and Roy about two months ago What wonderfull people. Canada is indeed a great place to live as someone who came here over 30 years ago I,m now more Canadian than some of my Canadian freinds are We are fournate to get great pepole like Riki and her family Alex
05-Jun-09 by Alex
Great story !! Wish you all success, health and happiness. Hope to hear many more good thoughts/stories.
05-Jun-09 by Atul Seth
Hi Riki
Very touching brief story of yours. Congrats for achievingyour dream & goals and most importantly being happy with your dear ones. Say hello to Roy
rgds Samir Habib
06-Jun-09 by Samir Habib
Riki all I can say that Canada's gain is India's loss. We need many more people like Roy and you to make our country a better place.Kudos to all three of you.
06-Jun-09 by Rina
Hi Riki, It is really commendable story, what story it is the truth. Hard work always pays. While struggling initially in Canada is thing of the past. Determination and hard work has paid off. May God bless you. Perhaps, one day I will visit you and see the progress made with my own eyes.
06-Jun-09 by KRISHAN MARWAH
Riki ,Your success is also attributable to your strong will power and very kind nature.Congrats. If Edmonton is so welcoming, I will definitely visit you some day.We met at the airport, in Nairobi on our way to Tanzania. Your story brought me back to those days when I used to come to your place, at Masasani, in Dar es Salaam. You are an examplary mother and wife.
07-Jun-09 by Devi Manraj
I have known you for the last almost 20 years (being Avishek's GodFather). I personally did not know about Canada's hospitality (though have heard a lot since I have a close uncle who has been there for more than 30 years), but you and the family......!! Nothing would have convinced me otherwise! I am proud of you both and utterly, chest thumping about my Godson - Avishek!! I am dying to see both of you and in particular - Avishek!! My innermost blessings to him and prayer that the Almighty continues to keep his watch over him and may all his dreams come true!! I am very happy that you have settled in Canada and are making very good progress. Keep up your effirts to make the home country better and as you have been helped, make sure you continue helping others with your magic hands and the charity work you do.
06-Jun-09 by Nitin Shah
I've just met the two of you recently and I find the both of you very genuine and giving. What a remarkable story. Your son Avishek must be very proud to have you as parents. Being a transplant from South Africa when I was a teen, I can appreciate this story even more as a Dad with adult age children who were born in Canada...Every success to you and your family
11-Jun-09 by Ken Leeson
What an adventure! From India to Africa & then to Edmonton, Canada!.We here, in England,living near Cambridge also have moved far from our original homes. Amal from India and Inger, my wife from Sweden. I chose Cambridge the first time- that was in 1952, and we have brought up a daughter in Cambridge. Cambridge is a beautiful city and to add to this it boasts of many a Nobel Prize winners, who also settled here from their far away homes,where there were born! Talking about countries..
we three think Canada is a great place .You have NATURE...We think you made a good choice to settle down with a good house and running a business and so on. Canada has also accepted you as their citizen..Good of Canada..Abhisek seems to have settled well there too..
We are too old to visit you now.. but we have been to Vancuuver and around that part
a few years ago. it is lovely there. I am sure, Edmonton is equally good.
With these few lines we are wishing you and your family a good future in Canada.
Canada has been good to you.. You be good to Canada.. I am confident you will be..
Bye for now. Amal Roy
06-Jun-09 by Amal & Inger Roy
Riki/Abhishek
U r like flowers who spread their scents without any conditions. Guys great job, keep it up. After doing such things in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and now in Canada -- please do spread your wings all around Canada and I know the most monumental tasks for many are the most simple ones for you. Best of Luck to Avishek and both of you. Ratnesh/Sarabjit/Palak/Jassi
08-Jun-09 by Sarabjit
What a huge difference you have made in our lives and the lives of many!!! Canada is fortunate to have such wonderful, loving and contributing family amongst us. We are fortunate to have Riki, Roy and Avishek in our lives. May you continue to prosper in the future, as you have in the past and present. God bless your family. Love Vince, Bella and Baby
08-Jun-09 by Vincent Sundar
Very Inspiring to read about your journey after you left us in Tanzania.Glad our paths crossed.All the best with your writting.Do share it with us.
07-Jun-09 by Alka Chande
It should not be lost on any reader the ability of someone with true passion to overcome much diversity and attain excellence!! Congratulations, Riki, on creating an amazing life for yourself and for your family and Edmonton is MUCH THE RICHER for you having joined its tapestry!
08-Jun-09 by Laura Schuler
I am honored to have you and Roy as my mentors. Your selflessnes in sharing your expertise, encouragement and never-give-up mentality towards my business are greatly appreciated. Wish your family success. So Ling Tam
09-Jun-09 by So Ling Tam
Riki, you are one of the kindest people I have met. Somehow you brought me from feeling like only a client to a valued friend. If only all businesses practiced the customer service you and Roy do. Thank you for everything you do. Jacqueline
12-Jun-09 by Jacqueline
Congrats for your Canadian citizenship. We always cherish your friendship and ever grateful for your good advise.
14-Jun-09 by Sudipto
Hi Riki, Congratulations to you all, well done. It's a good example of sacrifice, strength, solidarity, success ... Jai Ho
22-Jun-09 by Daya
wow!
reads like a true roy family saga. could not expect anything less from u guys! well done.hope to catch up with you soon in person maybe!!!
17-Jul-09 by rohini ravindran
I do not know Riki for long. However, we struck a chord right after our first meeting. She is a well accomplished extremely dynamic lady who appears very easy to talk to about various matters. I’m in complete agreement with all the comments left here.
05-Aug-09 by Kaustuv
I love your story, and your family is truly an inspiration to me. Good luck, congratulations and welcome to canada.
05-Aug-09 by Raya
I love the story Riki Aunty, it is very sweet .. and elaborately written. :)
05-Aug-09 by Bhavisha
Ricki/Roy..you are the reason why Canada welcomes people from all over the globe...you and your family are role models and provide inspiration not only to those fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to come to this country but us Canadians. I know you will all continue to make a positive contribution to your new home..welcome!!!
08-Aug-09 by Jay
Riki and Roy -
Glad to see you have landed so well in Canada. Congratulations on your citizenship! Even so, don't forget the good times in Africa. All the best!
14-Aug-09 by Pete from Kampala days
Well done - you've proven that "Where there's a will there's a way"
14-Aug-09 by Anita
Well done Riki. Such a sublime talent.
26-Aug-09 by Dipankar
I have read ALL the comments enumorous times and it makes me all 'warm and fuzzy' everytime I read them. I cannot thank you ALL enough for your support and encouragement to keep this story ahead of its competitors. Our house is open to ALL of you. Give us a chance to show you our wonderful new home (Edmonton) and the bonus is always Roys cooking :)
31-Aug-09 by Riki
Wonderfully uplifting story about your emigration here. You are such a warm and wonderful person that I'm pleased Canada and Edmonton accepted you so well and with open arms. Thanks for sharing your story with me. Glad to have been one of the lucky ones who has met you, Riki.
04-Sep-09 by Brenda Gordon-Ginter
Abhijit and Riki always love to accept change. Some time they become instrument to change. I have seen them many years and I really admire their energy level. I think it is a great quality to accept change always with posive frame of mind. I am one of their friend from Africa and witnessed their family. I really apprciate this achievement and glad to the see thier effort to help their son get close to his ambition.
05-Sep-09 by Saby
I know both Riki and Abhijit very well, particularly when Riki was trying to establish herself in the Canadian landscape. Both of you thrived for the sucess and you got it. Dreams are made when people try. Congratulations for being new citizens of a wondersful country, CANADA!
14-Sep-09 by SAMARENDRA N. MAITI
I loved your heart warming story, Riki! You three deserve all the happiness you get and more! lots of love,
Nomita
23-Sep-09 by nomita roy
Excellent story and keep it up ! Heartiest congrats to you and Abhijit. Love to Avishek. We shall never forget our golden days in Kampala, Africa. Memories should not cause pain, these are the permanent assets ours and ours alone. God bless you all.
Piklu - Kampala 15th Sept`09
15-Sep-09 by Abhijit
Bittoo You and I go back a long way. Yes long time before I witnessed your marriage certificate in Calcutta I am proud of you guys doing the right thing. Wish you all the luck God bless you. Nanoo
04-Oct-09 by G k phokela
Good wishes for you all. You will reach the pinnacle of success.
Chack de India.
Piklu - 15th Sept`09
15-Sep-09 by Abhijit Piklu
What an inspiring story!!!!!!!!!!! U are a strong woman Riki. You and your husband ar very supportive parents. Ur son must be the happiest. Pliz come to Uganda and visit us too when u next visit Africa.
29-Oct-09 by Asha Keisha Kawala
