I volunteered at the Science Centre today for the Junior High School Chevron Science Olympics. I was on a team with a man from China named Otgon. At the beginning of our shift he told me that his brother had passed away last night, and his heart had been hurting so much that he only had 2 hours of sleep prior to the event. But he had made a commitment to the Science Centre as a volunteer so he still showed up for his 6 hour shift. Broken hearted and exhausted, he approached the task with enthusiasm and dedication.
Throughout the day we had the chance to talk and I learned a lot about Otgon. He came to Canada about one year ago, after having earned his Engineering Bachelors and Masters in China, and working on his PhD in Ireland for 7 years. Coming to Calgary he was hopeful to find a job, but has still not been able to find anything related to engineering. Due to Canadian regulations, he is unable to call himself an "Engineering" until having been here for 3 years.
So, working as a cashier at Safeway, he often wonders to himself "How did I end up here? Where did I make a mistake?" Otagon doesn't want to force his family to leave Calgary (he has a son in Junior High School), but is discouraged that sending out 300-400 resumes has not lead him to success. Due to his minimum wage job at Safeway, he will be unable to fly home for his brother's funeral.
Otgon is a great man, even though I only knew him for about 6 hours I am confident in this deduction. He works hard, is honest, trustworthy and dedicated. So why is he struggling so much in life right now? When I said goodbye to him, we went on our own way and I could only wish him luck. I hope that soon life turns in the right direction for him, and I wish sincere condolences to him and his family.
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