The Power of Immigration: Lessons from UNB MBA Student Isaac Ebhohimhen’s Journey

How Newcomers Enrich Our Communities and Build a Stronger Canada

September 7, 2025

Immigration has always been a defining feature of Canada. Each year, thousands of individuals from all corners of the globe choose this country as their new home, bringing with them not only their hopes and aspirations but also a wealth of diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences.

I am a product of immigration. As referenced in a previous blog entry my father immigrated to Canada from Denmark at the age of 18, met my mother, and built several successful small businesses and an extraordinary community legacy through hard work and perseverance.

September represents new beginnings – students are arriving at colleges and universities, settling into new apartments and new lives. Until recently, an increasing number of those new arrivals in my community were international students.

Among our community’s newcomers stands Isaac Ebhohimhen, a UNB MBA student whose journey to Canada as an international student in 2022 is both remarkable and emblematic of the immigrant experience. He and his family now call Saint John, New Brunswick home.

His story, and the insights captured in his new book “The Strategic Newcomer – The Immigrant’s Practical Guide to Thriving, Belonging, and Becoming”, provide a lens through which we can explore the myriad benefits of immigration—both for newcomers themselves and for the communities that welcome them. I had the privilege of teaching Isaac as an Instructor at UNB Saint John and attended his recent book launch.

For many immigrants, arriving in a new country is a moment filled with excitement and a sense of possibility. Isaac’s journey began much the same way. Stepping off the plane in Canada from Nigeria in 2022, he was greeted by the unfamiliar sights and sounds of a new city, a new province, a new country and a culture waiting to be explored. Like countless others before him, Isaac was both eager and apprehensive, ready to embrace the opportunities but aware of the hurdles that lay ahead.

Settling into life in Canada is rarely a straightforward process. Newcomers must navigate practical challenges such as finding suitable housing, securing employment, and adapting to a new educational system. There are also emotional hurdles: the feeling of being far from home, the pressure to succeed, and the task of forging meaningful connections in an unfamiliar community. Isaac’s early experiences -balancing the rigours of a challenging and intense MBA program with the complexities of integration – mirror the journey of many immigrants who strive not only to survive but to thrive in their adopted country.

It is often in overcoming adversity that individuals discover their greatest strengths. Isaac’s response to the challenges of immigration was not simply to endure them, but to learn from them. Inspired by his journey, he authored “The Strategic Newcomer”, a practical guide designed to empower fellow newcomers. The book distills his lived experiences into actionable insights, offering a roadmap for others facing the hurdles of settlement, integration, and long-term success in Canada.

Isaac’s story highlights a key benefit of immigration: the ability of newcomers to turn personal challenges into collective wisdom. Their willingness to share what they’ve learned helps others navigate the same path, building resilience and fostering a culture of mutual support.

Isaac’s book is more than a memoir – it is a handbook for success. Within its pages, newcomers will find practical advice on navigating the complexities of settlement:

Building a Support Network: Isaac emphasizes the value of forging genuine relationships, both within the immigrant community and among local residents. Support networks provide emotional encouragement, professional opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
Setting Clear Goals: The book guides readers through the process of establishing short-term and long-term objectives, helping newcomers stay focused and motivated.
Embracing Lifelong Learning: Isaac advocates for continued education—whether through formal study, professional development, or personal growth. This commitment to learning is a key factor in long-term success.
Overcoming Barriers: Through candid discussion of common obstacles—such as language barriers, cultural adjustment, and finding employment—Isaac provides actionable solutions and resources.
Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging milestones, both big and small, is vital for maintaining motivation and building confidence.

As Canada continues to welcome newcomers (albeit, in reducing numbers – the topic of a future blog), it is essential to recognize the value they bring and the challenges they overcome. By supporting immigrants through resources like Isaac’s “The Strategic Newcomer” and by cultivating a spirit of inclusion and openness, we ensure that our communities remain vibrant, resilient, and full of possibility. Immigration is not just a policy or a demographic trend – it is a story of hope, ambition, and belonging. And through the experiences of individuals like Isaac, we are reminded of how much there is to gain when we open our doors and our hearts to the world.

I am extremely proud of my father’s journey and contributions as an immigrant to Canada, and I am truly inspired by Isaac Ebhohimhen’s determination, commitment and faith. At the book launch, I had the opportunity to meet several other former and current students, who are on equally impressive personal journeys as “strategic newcomers”.

Isaac’s book can be purchased on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover versions:

https://www.amazon.ca/Strategic-Newcomer-Immigrants-Practical-Belonging/dp/1963732170