An Ajax resident who intimately understands the complexities of relocating to a new country has established a dynamic platform designed to assist immigrants in finding a profound sense of belonging. Kristina McPherson, an immigrant mother and dedicated media founder, operates the evolving platform and YouTube channel known as “As Told By Canadian Immigrants.” This comprehensive digital initiative is passionately dedicated to capturing the diverse narratives of immigrants and examining the multifaceted realities of establishing a new life in Canada. The primary objective of this endeavour is to facilitate meaningful connections and help individuals discover vital community support during their often tumultuous transition.
McPherson recently introduced a compelling new limited series titled “Mom-Versations: As Told By Canadian Immigrants,” which is now available on YouTube, radio, and various popular podcast platforms. This specific project was professionally produced in a state-of-the-art studio setting at Durham College, working alongside a small, skilled production team. The series delves deeply into the genuine, unfiltered experiences of immigrant mothers reconstructing their lives and identities in Canada. “The series explores the real experiences of immigrant mothers rebuilding life in Canada, including motherhood, caregiving, career pivots, financial pressure, family separation and what happens when the ‘village’ many of us grew up with does not transfer in the same way after immigration,” McPherson explained.
McPherson firmly believes that finding a supportive network is absolutely crucial for overall well-being in a new country. “Community is really the remedy to this thing that is immigration,” she stated. “The isolation can make you feel like you’re the only one (in this situation) because you’re navigating it alone and, sometimes, it is very lonely. But once you find that other international student or that other work permit holder, it’s like, ‘oh my gosh, you too?’” She emphasizes that recognizing shared experiences is vital for emotional stability and successful integration into Canadian society.
Having lived in Canada for 11 years, McPherson draws extensively from her own personal history and struggles. She experienced significant stress before her arrival due to an initial visa rejection that nearly derailed her plans. After moving to Ajax from her aunt’s residence in Milton, she faced a profound sense of loneliness. “It seems exciting when you start,” she admitted. “It’s not like it’s not. But there are trade-offs. Mentally it was heavy.” She has coined the term “post-immigration stress disorder” to describe this phenomenon. “I realized because immigration is coated in this paint of opportunity, to some extent it is traumatic,” she added, highlighting a perspective often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
McPherson suggests that many of the difficulties immigrants face stem from this underlying, often unaddressed trauma. “Some of the things that we experience when we’re here — some of the isolation, some of the loneliness, some of the people lock themselves away — is because of this underlying trauma that we have experienced going through this journey,” she explained. “The rejection, the possible rejection. Sometimes it can be traumatizing.” Her platform, which she initially started in 2019, aims to validate these difficult feelings while offering practical assistance and resources to those navigating similar paths.
Looking toward the future, McPherson plans to significantly expand the project’s reach beyond the current digital format. “The goal is to move toward a bigger footprint, a bigger platform, for the benefit of the population that I believe needs support,” she shared. “I do want to have live studio shows where there is an audience, which will bring in the community element.” She has been actively exploring various locations across Durham Region to possibly host live events, intending to ensure that all voices are included and represented in her coverage eventually.
