One thing is for certain, if it weren’t for newspaper carriers in small communities, getting the hard copy paper would be a lot more challenging.
In honour of Newspaper Carrier Day (Oct. 6), Ponoka News features Abigail Okpeki, 21, who comes all the way from Edo State, Nigeria. She has been in Ponoka for the last seven months and came here as a live in caregiver.
“I’m looking after three kids,” said Okpeki, with a smile.
It didn’t take long for her to adapt to her new job and home, Okpeki enjoys the quiet and serene location of Ponoka and she wanted to get to know it more.
While reading through the Ponoka News, Okpeki found an ad looking for newspaper carriers in town.
“The very first time I saw the ad placed, I was like, this is a very good opportunity to get to know my community,” said Okpeki.
“So I would not just be stagnant. I would be able to be around and I would know different places in Ponoka.”
At the same time, she feels this would also give her a chance to be able to meet folks and integrate right into town. Okpeki added that she sees it as a way of giving back to the community.
She enjoys the experience so far and is proud to be able to be part of Ponoka.
When asked about the potential of moving to Canada for the long term, Okpeki said that would be a positive experience.
“If I’m going to move to Canada for a long time, that would be great for me because it gives me a lot of opportunity to do so many things I was not able to do back at home,” she said.
Living in Canada would also expose her to a new culture and experience that is different from what she is used to.
She does enjoy Nigeria, pointing out that Lagos, the country’s largest city, is a happening spot. “It’s a very busy happening place.”
Apart from being a live in caregiver, Okpeki is also a hair stylist, make up artist and enjoys beautification techniques.
For her, it’s about learning, growing and getting to know others.
jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com
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