One Filipina in Canada is proving that Pinays may be short in height but we are strong in spirit. Even with a height of 5’2″, Leizel Alegre drives a huge tractor and does the challenges of farming life.
Leizel shared that her life in Canada began when she fell in love. Unlike other Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Filipina didn’t reach Canada because of work. It was because he married a Canadian.
“Hindi po ako dumating dito para mag-OFW. Nakapangasawa ako ng Canadian kaya nakarating ako dito sa Canada,” Leizel shared on Summit OG via Pep.
Unfortunately, their marriage failed and after their divorce, Leizel sought work in Canada. Leizel took another chance in love and now her employer is her boyfriend. She now works as a part-time farmer and tractor operator.
Small but terrible tractor driver
According to Leizel, her job as a tractor driver always impressed many. With a short height of 5’2″, it didn’t stop Leizel from driving a huge tractor. The courageous Pinay is proud that she was able to develop that skill.
She shared, “When I pass by the highway, people are looking at me with wide eyes, parang… Kasi hindi naman ako matangkad, 5’ 2” lang ako ‘tapos nagda-drive ako [ng malaking tractor].
“Parang hindi sila nakakakita madalas ng driver [na katulad ko], kaya proud po ako na natutunan ko itong trabaho na ito,” Leizel added.
Leizel talks about farming life
The proud Pinay admitted that one of her biggest surprises in life is when she became a farmer.
She said, “Wala talaga siya sa list na I wanted to be in the future. Tamad nga akong magdilig ng halaman sa amin! Kaya hindi ko ine-expect na magugustuhan ko, na mai-in love ako sa farming.”
Keys to success in working abroad
Looking back, Leizel revealed that she has no regrets about how her life turned out. She said whatever mistakes or challenges she faced, made her the strong woman she is now.
Like many Filipinos working abroad, Leizel couldn’t reiterate how important hard work is. She gave a few words of inspiration to those women who are considering abroad to be brave. Those who aspire to work abroad should be determined in their goals.
“My advice to women who also want to try a manly job like what I have is: not to be scared to try new things and push yourself. Perseverance and technique is the key to enjoying this kind of job,” Leizel advised.
