Abimbola Adigun

I made the bravest decision of my life, to journey to Canada, leaving behind my family, friends, and community in Nigeria.

My goal was simple: change, growth, and new opportunities.

During the preparation phase, I dove headfirst into understanding Canada’s people, culture, food, and geography.

I felt a sense of awe every time I saw images of the magnificent Niagara Falls and other inspiring locales.

It gave me a taste of what lay ahead and strengthened my resolve.

After landing, I found myself in culture shock. It was overwhelming, especially when winter came. Temperatures plunged to -40 degrees. However, I persevered, leaning into the challenge and using it to grow stronger, more resilient.

At first, achieving my goals seemed elusive. But I learned to focus my energy on the positive outcomes, using each challenge as a stepping-stone towards my ambitions.

I truly understood the meaning of empowerment – it was conquering my fears, pushing my boundaries, and growing beyond my limitations.

My journey led me to Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation, a company that matched my values. I found an opportunity to use my skills and experiences to contribute to something bigger.

My role as an Administrative Assistant allowed me to leverage my strengths while learning new things every day.

I realized early on the importance of relationships – not just professional, but also personal. I found that by creating strong bonds with my colleagues, I could better understand their needs, anticipate challenges, and work more efficiently. This understanding extended to our clients, who I treat with the same respect and empathy.

Striving for excellence is a part of who I am. It permeates every aspect of my work. I am committed to providing our clients with top-notch service, ensuring seamless and efficient experiences when working with us. But I also strive for excellence in my interactions with colleagues, aiming to contribute positively to our work environment.

This journey continues, and with it, my resolve to embody Panko’s core values of Relationships, Empowerment, and Excellence. Each day presents a new opportunity to learn, grow, and serve – and I am ready for the challenge.