It is true that a journey begins with one step. But it’s the people you meet and the experiences you have after you take that first step that really define the journey.
My journey started in my homeland of Turkey in 2008. There, I was following my dreams of becoming a filmmaker when, after filming the second of a three-part controversial film series, I was forced to put the entire project on hold for reasons beyond my control.
As I was already planning to leave Turkey and finish editing the film in Canada, I came here anyway and decided to stay to begin a new life for myself.
Thus began my journey as an immigrant.
Arriving in Canada with two suitcases and little money was an enormous and terrifying first step on my journey. I had big dreams and big goals, and I was excited about what was next. But because I had no support, knew no one, and didn’t speak the language, I wound up spinning my wheels and falling into a cycle of poverty and depression.
Through sheer grit and determination, I pulled myself out of that situation. I enrolled in French classes, took many low-paying jobs to gain experience, and eventually found my path forward. Now, I have the privilege of leading a company that helps people share their stories and give back to the community that welcomed me.
The Supper Society was born out of my desire to help newcomers, refugees, and immigrants connect with well-established Canadians over a shared meal, providing them with the insight, advice, and support they need to begin their Canadian journey on the right foot.
Though the formal Supper Society dinners came to an end with the pandemic, the friendships and connections that grew out of those meals remain strong. I now split my time between Mexico and Canada and continue to support newcomers on a personal level, ensuring that the spirit of the Supper Society lives on in the bonds we’ve created and the positive impact we continue to make.