• Lyudmila (Mila) Fomina Herspiegel

  • Dubai - Calgary

Art by Emily Honderich

Lyudmila (Mila) Fomina Herspiegel story

Lyudmila (Mila) Fomina Herspiegel immigrated to Canada in 2016 with her husband and two daughters. She has a bachelor’s degree in the medical field and real estate and lived and worked in Dubai before coming to Canada. Mila loves to volunteer in the community, dance with her daughters, and be part of seasonal activities with her children. Balancing work and her family are important to Mila.

REACTING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

I am extremely glad that in these uncertain times, I am here in Canada!

We have two children in school.  Adjusting to online classes was difficult and challenging in many ways. We spent hours working through the process and procedures. But now we can say that we have mastered the online experience. It has helped us to see the level of education our kids are at and to show them how important education is.

Social distancing and forced separation have helped us to reconnect in other ways. The pandemic brings us together.  Every week I am in contact with family and friends in almost every continent around the world.  Of course, I am worried about my son, who is still in Dubai, since it is unclear when he will be able to travel. He is 25 years old, and during isolation, he has found some new creative skills in online storytelling and video. He has clearly put his vision on what he wants to do next in his career and in his personal life.

For myself, during quarantine, I was lucky enough to join a CIWA program online, where I learned new skills in administration and marketing. I made new colleagues and even better, new best friends!

We see more clearly what direction we want to go. Quarantine makes us value our family and relationships more.

May God help us! I wish the best of luck for all The Shoe Project participants and hope everyone keeps safe! Life continues!  As it is said: “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”

"For myself, during quarantine, I was lucky enough to join a CIWA program online, where I learned new skills in administration and marketing. I made new colleagues and even better, new best friends!"

- Lyudmila (Mila) Fomina Herspiegel