When Zeinab Salehiankia moved from Tehran, Iran, to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to attend Memorial University, she was surprised by the friendliness of Newfoundlanders.
“When I came here two years ago, I wondered why people were saying hello to strangers,” says Zeinab. “On the street, Newfoundlanders are always smiling and happy to greet you. So I got into the habit of saying hello to strangers too.”
While adjusting to her friendly new province and Environmental Science Master’s program at Memorial University, Zeinab discovered a new interest—one that hadn’t been available in the bustling city of Tehran.
“I picked up this habit from Newfoundlanders—people here really like to be in nature. My partner Erfan and I now like to explore different trails because we get to see nature like ponds, woodlands, and big lighthouses. It’s beautiful and stunning here.”