It's been a long and winding road from his native India to Sault Ste. Marie, one of hard work and applying his mind and hands to several different academic programs, but Sai Kumar Adepu is now a busy college grad and a happy new Saultite.
Eager to share his story with SooToday, Adepu said “this city is full of people who are very helpful, kind, caring, friendly and supportive. I am so pleased to be a part of the city.”
After arriving in Canada in September 2019, Adepu, with a degree in agriculture already in hand, began studying in Sault College’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Technician program.
“After settling down and attending my college classes, I found myself being comfortable in this city,” Adepu said.
In fact, he fit right in with the city’s charitable spirit and began volunteering for Sault Ste. Marie Helping Hands.
Sault Ste. Marie Helping Hands, a charitable not-for-profit entity located in the city's downtown, takes community donations of new or good quality secondhand clothes and household items for those in need of them.
Adepu later studied in the college’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program before switching to Culinary Skills - Chef Training, from which he graduated in June.
“The college has given me a wonderful experience in completing my academic journey successfully. It’s given me a wonderful experience with amazing teaching staff and administration,” he said.
Adepu is now a full-time cook at Chartwell Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence and a part-time cook at Quattro Hotel & Conference Centre.
“These two workplaces have given me a wonderful experience which has let me use all the new skills I have. I’m very thankful for both these workplaces for being so supportive and guiding me in the best way,” he said.
Adepu, 26, is from Hyderabad, the capital of southern India's Telangana state, the son of a police officer and a stay-at-home mother with two sisters.
Clearly happy in his new hometown and new country, Adepu said “I will recommend Sault Ste. Marie to my friends and other students who are looking to have a quality education and accommodation in a wonderful community.”
– SooToday
