The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook
When I first sat down with Maria Jose Castillo, Jimmy Miller, and Javier Lopez, I could feel a genuine warmth and camaraderie. These three are not only close friends; they’re the founding members of the Sarnia Language Exchange—a community that’s quickly becoming a hub for anyone in Sarnia who’s eager to improve their English or Spanish in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. In just a short time, the Language Exchange has become much more than just a meetup group—it’s a community movement that invites people to bridge cultural divides, share life stories, and form lasting connections that go beyond language barriers.
Currently, the Sarnia Language Exchange has 179 members on Facebook, and growing. They meet twice weekly, typically at Canatara Park or Lambton College. Their gatherings, where laughter and conversation flow freely, reflect a shared commitment to learning and mutual support. As group founders, Maria, Jimmy, and Javier have guided this community to become a vibrant cultural network where everyone, from recent immigrants to seasoned English speakers, feels welcome.
Leaving Home and Starting Anew
Maria, Jimmy, and Javier’s story began in Chile. Motivated by the dream of a brighter future for themselves and their families, each of them moved to Canada, hoping for new opportunities and a better quality of life. Maria and Jimmy, a married couple with two children, and Javier, who is married with one child, left behind established careers in Chile—Maria as a teacher, Jimmy as a programmer for Coca-Cola Andina (a role he continues remotely from Sarnia), and Javier as a human resources professional for a social benefits organization. Now, Maria is studying hospitality at Lambton College, while Javier has begun studying business management.
Their transition to Canada was both exciting and overwhelming, with unfamiliar surroundings and cultural differences to navigate. However, one of the first things they noticed about Sarnia was the sense of security that comes with life here. “It’s a relief,” Maria says, her voice filled with gratitude. “It feels good to live in a place where homes don’t need security bars on the windows.” For her, the sense of safety is a stark contrast to their lives in Chile. The family quickly fell in love with the beautiful parks and beaches in Sarnia, especially Canatara Beach, and are continually impressed by the city’s infrastructure and well-maintained public spaces.
Cultural Surprises and Adjustments
Of course, adapting to life in a new country also came with cultural surprises. Jimmy chuckled as he shared how greetings work differently here compared to Chile. In their home country, it’s customary for men to greet women with a kiss on the cheek, a gesture that’s often misunderstood in Canada. He’s also noticed that people in Sarnia seem more open and confident, while in Chile, people tend to be more reserved, avoiding eye contact with strangers. Yet, despite the occasional misunderstandings and missing family, friends, and Chilean traditions, they have found Sarnians to be incredibly warm and open-hearted.
Food and sports—two cornerstones of Chilean culture—are especially missed, as well as the camaraderie of friends and family gatherings. “There’s something special about sharing food with loved ones that we really miss,” Maria reflects. She recounts fondly the traditional Chilean dishes and gatherings, explaining how food and socializing are deeply intertwined back home. Although they enjoy the local cuisine, their cravings for traditional Chilean flavors linger, and they often cook dishes from home to feel more connected to their roots.
The Language Barrier: A Challenge Turned Into a Mission
For many new immigrants, the language barrier can be one of the hardest parts of adapting to life in a new country, and Maria, Jimmy, and Javier were no exception. English, as they quickly discovered, is a notoriously difficult language to master, and without fluency, everyday interactions and tasks become challenging. But rather than allow the language barrier to isolate them, they decided to turn this obstacle into an opportunity. Thus, the Sarnia Language Exchange was born.
The goal of the Language Exchange is simple yet powerful: to create a community resource where people can practice English or Spanish in a safe, supportive, and structured environment. And while the primary focus is language learning, the group’s purpose goes far beyond words. By creating a space where people can connect across cultural lines, the Language Exchange promotes mutual understanding, empathy, and friendship.
In its early days, the Language Exchange was a small group that met informally, with a handful of people coming together to practice and share. Word quickly spread, and as more people joined, the group began to grow, attracting members from diverse backgrounds. Today, the gatherings are a mix of structured language activities and informal conversation, with members helping each other improve pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. But the conversations often go deeper, with discussions about life, work, and the challenges of adapting to a new country. For many members, the Language Exchange has become a lifeline, providing not only language skills but also emotional support and friendship.
Building Bridges Across Cultures
One of the things that sets the Sarnia Language Exchange apart is the sense of community it fosters. Twice a week, group members—newcomers and lifelong Sarnians alike—come together to learn from each other and form connections that transcend linguistic and cultural differences. The conversations are rich with stories, advice, and laughter, and everyone is encouraged to share their experiences, ask questions, and learn about one another’s cultures. These gatherings have created a sense of belonging for those who may otherwise feel isolated, helping them navigate the complexities of life in a foreign country.
The group founders believe that their gatherings offer something unique to the Sarnia community. Their vision for the group is not just to improve English or Spanish proficiency but to foster acceptance, empathy, and mutual respect. They hope that the Language Exchange will continue to grow and serve as a model for other communities, showing that language isn’t a barrier, but rather a bridge that connects people.
Lessons in Happiness and Resilience
Despite the challenges they have faced, Maria, Jimmy, and Javier maintain an inspiring sense of optimism and resilience. Their positive outlook is evident in everything they do, from helping newcomers navigate life in Sarnia to promoting cultural exchange and mutual respect.
For Maria, Jimmy, and Javier, the Language Exchange is not just a way to overcome language barriers; it’s a home away from home, a place where people from all walks of life can come together, support each other, and build something larger than themselves. For those in Sarnia looking to join, the Exchange welcomes anyone who’s eager to practice language skills, connect with new friends, and be part of a community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
In the end, the Sarnia Language Exchange is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. By creating a space where people can come together, learn from each other, and build lasting connections, Maria, Jimmy, and Javier are not only helping people overcome language barriers; they are helping to build a more inclusive and compassionate community. And in a world that sometimes feels divided, their work serves as a powerful reminder of the unity and understanding that language—and a shared sense of purpose—can bring.
“Humans of Sarnia” founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens.