28 years after coming to Canada, my childhood showbiz dreams came true
'In the beginning, life was tough. My childhood passion was still burning but it took a back seat.'
When Sima Saxena moved to Canada as a young woman, she put her childhood dreams on hold and started a family. Years later, she finally got a shot at the spotlight.
Throughout 2017, we're asking Canadians, "What's your story?" Saxena of Victoria, shares hers:
I was born in India. Since my dad worked for Air India, I visited Toronto and Victoria in 1979. I liked Victoria as it is a small beautiful island, with mild weather, greenery, nice beaches and everything close by.
In 1988, I didn't have any plans to live in Victoria until my dad passed away and my brother, who was living in Victoria at that time, sponsored my mom and me. It is in our culture that the son becomes the head of the family after my father's death.
Canada has a big heart where everyone is welcome.- Sima Saxena
I had a childhood dream to be in show business but it died when I came to Canada. I got busy in the new country, understanding a new culture, improving my English and finding a job to survive.
In a few years, I had a traditional arranged marriage in India and I had two children. In the beginning, life was tough. My childhood passion was still burning but it took a back seat as family became priority.
Time flew by; my children are grown and are at University.
Last year my passion for show business came back when I saw the post in the community newspaper about the "Miss BC Pageant" — open to Miss Teen, Miss, and Mrs. I discussed with my family and they supported me. I applied and represented Victoria at the pageant. I started my journey by joining the gym, exercising, eating healthy, involving myself in the community and getting expert tips.
My childhood passion kicked off when I won the title of Mrs. Vancouver Island. Articles were written about it in the local newspaper and Victoria Explore tourist magazine. Additionally, there were interviews on local TV stations and I met dignitaries, did short film, commercials and had more involvement with the community.
Canada has a big heart where everyone is welcome. To me, Canada means where dreams come true.
What's your story?
What defines Canada for you? Is there a time that you were proud to be Canadian, or perhaps a time you felt disappointed? Is there a place, person, or event in your life that sums up what being Canadian is to you? Tell us at cbc.ca/ whatsyourstory.