Finding Community: Journeys of Belonging
In celebration of International Student Month, Ignite spoke with alumni of the award-winning Integration Success Program (ISP) to reflect on their journeys. Graduates Haridas Patel, Sosan Naqvi, and Karthik Beedubail revisited how ISP helped them grow their skills, confidence, networks, and sense of belonging, and where their successes have led since.
Haridas Patel
For Patel, arriving as an international student came with challenges. From missing authentic Indian food to adapting to a new working culture. Joining the program gave him the opportunity to improve his skills and expand his network. “ISP not only provided me the structured guidance but also encouraged me and provided me with hope and courage to navigate any situation,” he said.
His experience in the program helped Patel stand out in the job market and secure full-time employment after graduation. A few years later, he was invited back to speak to a younger cohort of students, making him realize the meaningful guiding role he had gotten from the community.
Today, Patel is still an active member of the community. He advocates for newcomers through the Capital Region Integration Network’s Immigrant Advisory Council. While reflecting on his sense of belonging, he said, “it’s about feeling connected, valued and responsible for helping make the community strong and more welcoming for everyone.”
Sosan Naqvi
Naqvi’s ISP journey was about finding confidence. After arriving in Canada with her family, she felt she had to start life from scratch while navigating motherhood and full-time studies. Through workshops on stress management and networking, ISP provided tools to face her challenges and showcase her talents. “ISP was able to uncover my strengths and put me on the right path towards successfully building my personal and professional life,” she shared.
This confidence helped her build a stronger sense of belonging for herself and her family. “When I know that I am in my comfortable place in my life with my family and friends, I am accepted for who I am, I get a sense of belonging,” she said. Nowadays, she and her family volunteer with local organizations such as the Multicultural Association of Fredericton and Greener Village to help newcomers and refugees find their place in the community.
Karthik Beedubail
As an international student, Beedubail often questioned whether he would be accepted by the community or stand out to employers. ISP offered a supportive environment open to feedback and genuine connections. He mentioned, “it gave me the opportunity to mingle with like-minded people.”
Facilitators from diverse backgrounds and sessions on personal branding and public speaking helped him strengthen his network and find his right footing in the community.
Today, Beedubail sees belonging as a responsibility. “Subconsciously, I think about how I can be a responsible person in this community. How can we make this place better and inclusive to everyone?” he shared. Outside his full-time role, he is joining the Ignite Connector Program to give back and support others in building meaningful networks.
Immigrating to a new country often presents obstacles like self-doubt, unfamiliar work cultures, and a lack of supportive networks. Ignite's programs are designed to guide people from the start of their journeys to become thriving and well-connected professionals. Learn more about the ISP by visiting our program webpage here.