From “Fish Out of Water” to Finding Her Place: Miriam’s Story
A New Beginning Through Music
When Miriam Alejandra Escobedo Gonzalez arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador as an international student, she brought with her years of experience, a passion for music education, and a deep curiosity about people and culture. Yet, starting fresh in a foreign land brought its own set of doubts. Working currently as a music instructor at Making Music Academy, she teaches students from a wide variety of backgrounds and age groups. Her journey into the music education field in NL was not only about finding employment. It was also about learning how to connect, communicate, and feel at home in a completely different environment. Reflecting on her experience, Miriam says, “I have been able to explore teaching in different settings, growing my understanding of how other cultures interact and experience music. This has inspired me to deepen my knowledge on how to approach music education from a multicultural lens.” Now, her work has become a space where culture, creativity, and community meet.
The Impact of Study and Stay NL
Before arriving in Canada, Miriam was no stranger to international work environments, yet adapting to the unspoken rules of the Canadian workplace still felt like a steep, isolating climb. “Even though I had experience in international work places, I felt like a fish out of water, specially since I did not know anyone in my field,” she explains. The pivotal moment in her journey arrived when she enrolled in the Study and Stay NL program—an initiative offered by Memorial University’s Internationalization Office and Immigration, Population Growth and Skills. The program did more than just offer advice; it actively demystified the local professional landscape and gave her a safe, supportive environment to practice vital soft skills. “The workshops helped me to understand how networking and work culture function in Canada,” she says. “I practiced small talk, and how to address uncomfortable situations in the work place.”
Beyond the practical tools she acquired, it was the shared community of peers that truly banished her feelings of doubt. The program connected her with people who had once been in her exact position and who had managed to build thriving careers in the province. Hearing these firsthand accounts of perseverance and triumph made her own goals feel attainable. “I think it was listening to the stories of how other international students were successful,” she recalls. Those shared narratives did more than just inspire her. They validated her professional skills and alleviated the imposter syndrome that often accompanies moving to a new country. Seeing others succeed reassured her that her international background was an asset rather than a barrier. “They gave me confidence that I was truly qualified and I was going to be able to find a job that I enjoyed.”
Armed with this newfound assurance and a deeper understanding of regional dynamics, she was able to navigate the job market with clear purpose. The specific strategies she learned for communication and relationship building directly translated into professional success, proving the immeasurable impact of the program on her career trajectory. “The networking and workplace culture workshops were the most helpful to find and keep the job I currently have,” she states.
Building Community Through Multicultural Music Education
Empowered by the confidence she built through the program, Miriam now channels her global experiences into her role as an educator at Making Music Academy. Here, she intentionally creates a welcoming, inclusive space for students from diverse backgrounds. Rather than trying to fit into a predefined teaching mold, she brings her own cultural identity directly into the classroom, encouraging creativity and curiosity through a multicultural lens. This approach not only enriches her students’ musical education but also actively contributes to a more culturally aware and connected Newfoundland and Labrador. Finding this deep professional fulfillment has transformed the province from a temporary stop into a permanent home rooted in purpose and community growth. Reflecting on the shared experiences of fellow newcomers that first inspired her journey, she notes, “As I mentioned, in discovering other stories, I came to believe I could find where I belong, pursuing what I love while continuing to grow and shape my future.”
Advice for New International Graduates
Drawing from the challenges she navigated herself, Miriam advises newly arrived international graduates to lean actively into every learning opportunity. “Attend and participate in all the workshops you can, listen carefully and do all the practices,” she advises. She knows exactly how daunting it is to restart a career in a new country and adjust to different cultural expectations. Yet, she stresses that stepping outside of your comfort zone is essential for long-term success, even when the learning process is difficult. “Ask questions. Be sure to find an answer to all your doubts, sometimes the answer will not be what you want to hear, but it will guide you on the things you need to work on to have a successful story!”
Moving Forward
Miriam Alejandra Escobedo Gonzalez continues to weave her passions for music, education, and community engagement into the fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador. Her path serves as a powerful reminder that finding one’s calling isn’t always a linear process. True success often stems from making genuine connections, drawing strength from shared experiences, and trusting that your unique talents have a home. By meeting uncertainty with steadfast perseverance, Miriam has woven her passions into a profound sense of purpose. Today, she isn’t just forging a fulfilling career—she is empowering others to find their own voice, creativity, and belonging through the transformative power of music.