Emma came to Canada via Singapore from her native Philippines. She left Manila because she had lost her job and work was hard to come by in the Philippines. She worked as a nanny in Singapore for four years and when a friend of hers came to Canada in 1992, Emma decided that she would investigate the opportunities in this country. Emma came to Canada as a work permit holder arriving first in Vancouver, then traveling to Winnipeg and finally to Thunder Bay. Emma worked as a nanny in Thunder Bay and was able to bring her son over to join her in 1994. Emma attended Confederation College and is presently working at two different jobs while furthering her education on a part-time basis. Emma is presently studying accounting and hopes to enhance her computer skills. She is considering perhaps going into business for herself.

This October, Emma became a Canadian citizen. She feels that her new country is a land of opportunity if one is willing to work hard. Emma has not been back to the Phillipines but has been able to maintain a great deal of her culture while here. She hopes to visit her family in the Phillipines at some point in the future.