Newcomer makes a mark

By Rehana Farid

Image credit: Ańdy on Pexels

When I was a little girl growing up in India, felt pens were a luxury, a much-coveted item in the pencil cases we took to school. Any relative travelling to distant lands was dispatched with a fervent request for felt pens.

At least that’s what we called them back then.

I learned on coming to Canada that most people knew them by a different  name.

Seeing small jars filled with bunches of felt pens in all colours of the rainbow at my son’s grade 1 class where I used to volunteer, I thought the kids were so lucky to have such a ready supply.

And I said as much to their teacher, a friendly, welcoming lady. Except that I said so during break, while the kids were out playing in the school yard.

Mrs M, as she was addressed by everyone, looked puzzled.

“Felt pens? I don’t believe we have any. In fact, I’m not sure I even know what they are, but unlikely we’d have pens for the children, only washable markers.”

Washable markers took my mind into another space, as I recalled scrubbing my hands trying to get rid of the marks left by the felt pens I’d been gifted by an indulgent uncle on his return from a trip to the US.

Back in the classroom, I pointed to the felt pens to show Mrs M what I’d been talking about.

“Yes, washable markers,” she said with a smile. “You call them felt pens? That’s interesting!”

Luckily, I had my phone with me so I could show her that at least some other people also called them by the same name.

And that a “felt pen” is a “pen that has a point made of felt (a thick, soft mass of fibres), used for writing and especially drawing”.

“I learnt something new today,” said Mrs M . “Let’s tell the children about felt pens!”           

What’s your story? Every newcomer, no matter how savvy or where he or she comes from, has a story to share about their early days in Canada. Do you want to share your story? E-mail it to us at canadaboundimmigrant@rogers.com.