BY: SANDRA ANIN
Sandra Anin was born and raised in the Jane and Finch area. She attended high school at James Cardinal McGuigan, and was actively involved with community arts in the Ghanaian community. As a young black woman, growing up in an area; that had a negative net cast around it, Sandra was exposed to a lot of adversaries and obstacles.
Growing up Sandra saw that the goal to attain further education was one many youths had. However, it seemed like a goal that could not be attained by many. Lack of finances, lack of knowledge to attain a higher education via resources, were some of the factors the young men and women saw detrimental to their future. Sandra, however, saw the silver lining regardless of her environment, socio-economic, or even financial status. She had the altitude to reach heights unimaginable for a young woman; who was from Jane and Finch, African, and Black. She was raised by her Ghanaian parents to never fall into the “bad crowd” and set herself apart to be the best version of herself.
She set her sights to pursue a career in the justice system leading her into Criminal and Justice Studies, and as well, being adamant in pursuing a legal career.
On June 24, 2021, Sandra added “Author” to her resume and wrote and published her first book “Child of an Immigrant” the story follows the journal entries of Matilda, the main character. Her parents, moved to Canada from Western Africa in the '80s to seek better opportunities for themselves and their offspring. As the story progresses you find yourself following the inward battles of Matilda, which consist of career choices for the future. Her parents project their unfulfilled dreams on this teen; which she pushes against their wishes. She also deals with family drama which takes a toll on this young lady which prompts her to initially start writing these journal entries.
Sandra writes “I wrote this story because, to be frank; we can all identify with this character. Canada is a multicultural land and many of us are children of immigrants, who can relate to the "struggle".
You can grab a copy of Sandra’s book on Amazon.