On This Page, You Will Find:
- How Lidia overcame cultural shock in Canada
- The value of building friendships outside your community
- Why learning Canadian systems is essential
- How optimism became Lidia’s most powerful tool
When Lidia moved to Canada from Russia in 2014, she left behind a career, her own apartment, and a life that – on the surface – looked complete.
But she wanted something more than comfort. She wanted the challenge of building a life in a place where no one knew her.
What began as an international student experience in Calgary became a years-long journey of growth and self-discovery. Along the way, Lidia did more than adjust – she transformed. Not by erasing her roots, but by expanding her perspective. Today she’s a Canadian citizen, wife, mother, and mentor to newcomers through her YouTube channel Ice to Nice.
Here are four lessons she learned about building a life in Canada – and how she developed the mindset to thrive.
Secret #1: Let Go of What You Thought You Knew
Lidia thought she understood what life in Canada would be like.
She’d visited before as a tourist. She’d done her research. She assumed her education, her experience, and her cultural norms would carry over.
But on her first day at Bow Valley College, she watched in disbelief as a classmate casually ate lunch during a lecture. In Lidia’s culture, that would’ve been incredibly disrespectful. It took her months before she could even bite a sandwich in class.
It was one of many moments that challenged what she believed to be “normal.”
“I realized I was outside my bubble – outside everything my parents and my country taught me. And that was my chance to figure out who I really was.”
Those early disruptions weren’t easy. But they made space for curiosity, empathy, and growth – all things that helped her build a life, not just a new routine.
Secret #2: Make Friends Outside Your Cultural Bubble
It would’ve been easier to only hang out with other Russian speakers, but Lidia made a conscious decision early on.
“I wanted to stay outside of Russian, Ukrainian, and all post-Soviet communities. I wanted to make friends from India, from Nigeria, from Canada.”
This choice wasn’t just about improving her English – though that was part of it. It was about immersing herself in Canada’s diverse culture.
At first, it wasn’t easy. She was self-conscious about her English. She didn’t always understand the social rules. But choosing to connect with people from different backgrounds changed everything.
She built deep friendships – not just with other newcomers, but with people who challenged her thinking and helped her grow. “One of my closest friends is Jamaican-Irish Canadian. We used to have heated conversations about everything – culture, politics, identity. She became a mentor without even meaning to.”
By stepping outside her bubble, Lidia didn’t just make friends. She made space for transformation.
Secret #3: Learn the System to Play the Game
Lidia speaks plainly. And that’s why people trust her.
At newcomer job fairs, she noticed a pattern: presenters were polite, but vague. Lidia was different. She told people what they needed to hear.
“I understand that you don’t like small talk. I don’t like it either. But you have to do it in Canada.”
This honesty made her a magnet for questions. People lined up after her talks, not just to ask about careers – but about banks, cars, housing, identity. She didn’t have time to answer them all individually, which is how her YouTube channel began.
And it all goes back to this:
“If you’re a kid playing a game, and you don’t know the rules – or you don’t follow the rules – you won’t win. It’s the same here.”
The game isn’t rigged. But it’s not obvious either. Lidia wants newcomers to feel prepared – not defeated.
Secret #4: Choose Optimism, Even When It’s Hard
Lidia doesn’t pretend it’s easy.
She knows what it’s like to send out job applications for six months and hear nothing. To feel stuck. To question if you made the right decision moving to a new country.
But what she chooses, over and over again, is to keep going. “When you’re in a down moment, it’s okay,” she said. “But it’s not okay to stay there. You have to climb back to your balance point.”
“Stick to positive stories – not negative ones.”
It’s not blind positivity. It’s belief in possibility – something many newcomers lose in the grind of adjusting. Lidia holds onto it, and she shares it like a lifeline.
Her optimism isn’t just about attitude. It’s a tool. A strategy. A survival skill. And it’s one of the most powerful things she has to offer.
Want to hear more of Lidia’s story in her own words?
Listen to the full episode of My Great Canada wherever you get your podcasts.
FAQ: Building a Life in Canada – Lidia May’s Story
Who is Lidia May and why is her story inspiring for newcomers to Canada?
Lidia May is a Russian-born Canadian who immigrated in 2014. Her story is inspiring because she built a new life from scratch by embracing discomfort, learning Canada’s systems, and connecting with people outside her cultural background. Today, she mentors newcomers through her YouTube channel, Ice to Nice, and shares honest, practical advice about settling in Canada.
What was the hardest cultural adjustment Lidia faced as a newcomer?
One of the hardest adjustments was letting go of what she believed to be “normal.” For example, she was shocked to see students eating in class, something that felt disrespectful in her home culture. These moments were difficult but allowed her to grow, build empathy, and develop a deeper understanding of Canadian norms and values.
Why did Lidia avoid only socialising within her cultural community?
Lidia made a conscious decision to build friendships outside of Russian-speaking communities. She wanted to learn about Canadian culture through diverse experiences. This decision helped her improve her English, challenge her thinking, and build meaningful connections that supported her personal and professional growth in Canada.
What does Lidia mean by “learning the system to play the game”?
Lidia believes that understanding how Canadian systems work – from job interviews to small talk – is essential to succeeding as a newcomer. She compares it to a child learning the rules of a game. Without knowing the rules, you can’t win. Her practical approach encourages newcomers to prepare and adapt without losing hope.
How does Lidia use optimism as a tool for success in Canada?
Lidia acknowledges that building a life in a new country is tough. However, she sees optimism not as blind positivity but as a survival skill. She encourages others to focus on positive stories and push forward, even in difficult times. Her belief in possibility has helped her – and now others – stay motivated and hopeful.
