Transplants - Conversations With Women Thriving Abroad #12 Immigration Setbacks & Career Reboot | Celia Alves | Portugal → Canada
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Nov 25, 2025 Celia Alves, a former math teacher from Portugal, shares her inspiring journey of immigrating to Canada and reinventing herself as an Excel specialist. She discusses the emotional and bureaucratic challenges related to immigration, including their sudden crisis and decision against returning to Portugal. Celia describes her intense learning experience with Excel, how it became a therapeutic escape, and her rise as a community leader, culminating in recognition as a Microsoft MVP. Her story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of passion.
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Stable Career Before The Move
- Celia worked nearly 20 years as a public high-school math teacher in Leiria, Portugal with heavy responsibilities including teaching in prisons.
- She felt burned out and tired of the job before immigration became an option through a job fair in London.
A Chance Job Led To Canada
- A Canadian immigration agent spotted Celia's husband had a truck driver's license and offered a job in Alberta, which launched their move.
- Neither Celia nor her family had actively planned to emigrate before that chance encounter at the fair.
Helping Kids Learn English Fast
- Celia's daughter arrived knowing almost no English, so Celia made a picture dictionary to help her communicate at school.
- A Portuguese volunteer and teacher support helped the daughter gain confidence and speak English by the next term.