Meaning of Artem’s Home

When I left Ukraine, I thought I had left my home forever. I remember holding my mom’s hand at the airport, afraid of everything-the plane, the future, and the new language I didn’t understand. Ukraine was my grandparents’ hugs, my friends’ laughter, and the streets where I learned to ride my bike. It was the place where my story began. When we arrived in Canada, everything felt too big and too quiet. I felt small in my new classroom, scared to speak because I didn’t know the words. I missed who I used to be-confident and happy. But Canada was patient with me. My teacher waited while I searched for English words. My classmates smiled when I made mistakes. One girl invited me to play in the snow, even though I was too shy to ask. Slowly, I started to laugh again. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe. Canada gave my family peace. It gave my parents hope instead of worry. It gave me the chance to dream about my future, not be afraid of it. Ukraine will always be my roots. But Canada is where I am growing. Home is not only where you are born. Home is the place that gives you a second beginning-the place where you feel safe enough to hope again. Canada is not just where I live. IT IS MY HOME