Filiz Dogan
What does it mean for you to be part of the Shoe Project? We asked The Shoe Project alumnae to write to us about their experience in The Project. Read the reflections of Filiz Dogan.
“The Shoe Project made me feel like at home in Canada.”
I felt like Yasmin Lash is expressing my thoughts. I lived through a very similar experience during and after my participation in The Shoe Project. I am still in touch with many participants. I invited my friends into this cycle, and I befriended people from this project. It was not just friendship and having fun together. We also helped each other find jobs.
The Shoe Project extended my (our) networking and made me (us) feel a little bit more like we were at home in this country. I am not shy any more about my accent. I am working in a job that depends heavily on language, communication and social skills. There have been lots of challenges and there still are, but I survived.
The Shoe Project came into my life when I had been feeling lonely and helpless. It provided a spark to illuminate my career path in my second language and culture.
I met with Ania Vesenny’s team and participants in Halifax. I saw how Ania was dedicated to her job. And these women were amazing on the stage.
I want to express my gratitude to The Shoe Project and Katherine Govier.
Filiz Dogan is a psychologist from Turkey. She was a member of the first Shoe Project session in 2011 and a four-time alumna. She is now a member of the Board of Directors of the Project. Filiz has been working in the mental health field as a Registered Psychotherapist.