Ghanaian Man Remembers His Early Days As A Student In Canada Working As A Labourer At A Construction Site, Says Today His Story Is Different

Ghanaian Man named Peter Bawuah has remembered his early days as a student in Canada when he worked as a labourer at a construction site.

He went on to share how many of the students he met there left because they felt the job was beneath them, but however he stayed. And today his story is different.

He admonishes those aspiring to relocate about some silent killers that destroy many international students or immigrants.

In his words:

“Why? Because I wasn’t chasing pride—I was chasing purpose.

If You’re Coming Abroad, Prepare Your Mind and Your Heart. Coming abroad is not just a change of location—it is the beginning of a whole new life. And that life does not start with comfort. It starts with humility, endurance, and vision.

When I first arrived as an international student, I told myself: “No job is too small if it helps me grow.” I worked as a labourer at a construction site. Many of the students I met there left because they felt the job was beneath them. But I stayed.

Why? Because I wasn’t chasing pride—I was chasing purpose.
The money was small, yes. But I was gathering more than just cash—I was gathering character, discipline, and resilience.

I’m not sharing this to impress you. I’m sharing this to prepare you.
This journey is lonely. It is not always smooth. But if you come prepared, you will not be shaken by the rough winds.

Let me warn you about some silent killers that destroy many international students or immigrants:

  1. Spending to impress people who don’t care.

Buying the latest clothes or gadgets for people who won’t even remember your struggles is a fast way to go broke.

  1. Upgrading your lifestyle instead of upgrading your mind.
    When your income increases, don’t run to buy luxury. Run to invest in yourself—learn new skills, read, grow. Glamour fades, growth stays.
  2. Attending every party and event.
    There’s nothing wrong with fun, but when it drains your time, money, and energy—it becomes a distraction, not enjoyment.
  3. Borrowing money to look rich.
    You don’t need to fake a life you haven’t built. Stay real, stay grounded.
  4. Lack of vision and direction.
    Set goals. Read books. Ask questions. Seek wisdom. You are not here just to survive—you are here to build.
  5. Giving up too early.
    Be consistent. Your breakthrough may be hiding behind your current struggle.
  6. Despising small beginnings.
    That small job could connect you to your next opportunity. Be faithful in the little.
  7. Not building relationships.

Wherever you find yourself, talk to people. Learn from them. Help them. Relationships are bridges in this foreign land.

Today, my story is different—but it didn’t happen overnight. I am not where I want to be but God is still preparing us.

I am a product of time, effort, and patience. Life abroad will shape you. But only if you’re willing to be molded.

Stay focused. Stay humble. Stay wise.
Your season will come.

Peter Bawuah
The canopy of Resilience.

Source: Peter Bawuah| Facebook

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com