Volunteer Spotlight: Aliya’s Journey Through Teaching and Community

Tell us a little about yourself!

For the past 20 years, I worked as a faculty member in the Department of English at a private university in Bangladesh. I began my academic career as a Lecturer and was later promoted to Assistant Professor. Alongside my teaching responsibilities, I also served as the Chairperson of the English Department. I completed my doctoral degree in English Literature in Bangladesh and carried out my academic duties with dedication and success until 2024.

In July 2024, I moved to Canada, and in September 2024, I began volunteering with NYCH. Outside of volunteering, I enjoy exploring new places, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and learning about different cultures. I also have a strong interest in cooking.

Why did you decide to start volunteering with North York Community House?

After arriving in Canada, I wanted to remain meaningfully engaged in teaching, which has always been my passion. Throughout my professional life, teaching has been both my career and my calling. At this stage, I chose to volunteer in ESL education to support newcomers while also becoming more involved in the community.

Volunteering with NYCH allows me to better understand the needs, expectations, and challenges faced by ESL learners in Canada, enabling me to apply my academic and teaching experience in a new context. It also opens potential opportunities for future academic research, particularly if I pursue postdoctoral studies.

What has been the most meaningful part of your volunteer experience with us?

At NYCH, I have volunteered in several roles, including LINC Classroom Assistant, English Conversation Circle Mentor, and Social Mentor. Each role has provided me with invaluable learning experiences. Beyond teaching language skills, I have learned about different cultures, histories, geographies, beliefs, and lived experiences.

Most importantly, I have witnessed the resilience, strength, and determination of newcomers as they overcome challenges and build new lives. Over time, we have formed meaningful connections, becoming friends who support and care for one another. This sense of shared humanity has been the most meaningful part of my volunteer experience.

What’s something new you’ve learned while volunteering at NYCH?

Through my experience at NYCH, I have come to deeply appreciate that diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths. NYCH truly embodies and celebrates this diversity. What I admire most is the organization’s respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

NYCH gives me a strong sense of belonging and has become a place where I feel comfortable, valued, and at home. In many ways, I have received far more than I ever expected from this experience.

 

What’s next for you, and do you see yourself continuing to volunteer with us in the future?

I want to continue experiencing the beauty of Canada through my involvement with NYCH. My love for Canada began with my connection to this organization, which feels like a second home to me. No matter where my professional journey leads, I intend to continue volunteering at NYCH in the future.

I am sincerely grateful to Danielle Benton, Volunteer Coordinator, for giving me the opportunity to volunteer here. I would consider it a privilege and an honor to continue contributing to NYCH in any way I can.