July 1, 2024 – This year marks a special Canada Day for LifeLabs’ Laboratory Technician, Aydin Apaydin. It’s his first as a Canadian citizen! We caught up with Aydin to learn more about his journey and achievements. He shares his thoughts about Canada’s values of multiculturalism, respect for diversity, and a strong sense of community.
Congratulations on becoming a Canadian citizen, Aydin! Tell us about yourself and your journey to becoming a Canadian!
I was living in Nigeria when I heard about Canada being a great place to live, which attracted my family here. I came to Canada in 2017, received my permanent residency in 2020, and got my citizenship in March this year. I pursued Canadian citizenship for its excellent professional opportunities in laboratory technology and its advanced healthcare system. I was drawn to Canada’s quality of life, inclusivity, and beautiful landscapes. The stability, rights, and sense of belonging that come with citizenship were also motivators.
I have been working as a laboratory technician for the past five years. During this time, I’ve gained experience in various lab categories, including clinical, research, and industrial. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, woodworking, and walking. I have been very passionate about technology and science since I was a kid.
How has acquiring Canadian citizenship impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
Canada and being a Canadian citizen means a lot to me. Canada’s values of equality, respect for human rights, and multiculturalism resonate with me as someone who values these principles.
Receiving Canadian citizenship has given me a strong sense of belonging and peace. Professionally, it has expanded my career opportunities within the healthcare and research sectors, offering greater job opportunities and access to educational benefits. It has also allowed me to visit other countries, which my family and I are very excited about!
Can you share any lessons learned or advice for others obtaining or considering Canadian citizenship?
For those pursuing Canadian citizenship, start early, stay organized with documentation, and prepare well for the citizenship test. Engage with the community to enrich your integration experience and seek help from immigration resources.
Thank you, Aydin, for sharing your story with us. We are thrilled to celebrate your journey to Canada on this Canada Day!
Stronger Together
LifeLabs is grateful and inspired by our team members for sharing their stories. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey at LifeLabs is to ensure that all individuals feel accepted, respected and valued.
By fostering an equitable and inclusive culture for team members, customers, and partners, our collective community benefits from understanding their unique perspectives and experiences. The journey to reinforce DEI commitments has demonstrated that at LifeLabs, we are indeed Stronger Together.