Beyond Survival   

By Joe Larano Jr.

Rita San Diego arrived in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia more than a decade ago with her husband and two young children, carrying little more than determination and a belief that hard work would eventually open doors. Like many newcomers, her early years in Canada were defined by uncertainty. Professional experience from her home country was not immediately recognized, and she had to accept survival jobs that were far removed from her background and aspirations.

She worked in cleaning services, food preparation, and warehouse support roles, often moving from one short-term contract to another. The instability was difficult, not only financially but emotionally, as she balanced long working hours with family responsibilities. There were moments when opportunities seemed to pass her by, especially when job applications in her field received no response. Yet, she remained persistent, quietly observing how systems worked in her new environment and slowly identifying a path forward.

A turning point came when she enrolled in part-time courses at a local technical institution in the Lower Mainland, focusing on construction technology and project fundamentals. Managing studies, work, and family life was not easy. On several occasions, she considered pausing her studies due to fatigue and financial pressure. However, encouragement from her family and her own commitment to long-term stability kept her moving forward. Soon after, she secured an apprenticeship with a mid-sized construction company, marking her first step back into her professional field.

The apprenticeship phase was demanding. She was often assigned to assist on-site estimators and quantity surveyors, working long hours on construction sites across Metro Vancouver—ranging from residential developments in Surrey to commercial projects in Burnaby. At times, she faced hesitation from colleagues who underestimated her technical capability due to her background. Instead of being discouraged, she used these moments to strengthen her accuracy, attention to detail, and understanding of Canadian construction standards and codes. Gradually, her work began to speak for itself.

Her consistency and reliability led to a permanent position as a junior estimator. From there, she steadily progressed—first as estimator, then senior estimator, and eventually stepping into supervisory responsibilities. One notable project challenge involved a complex cost overrun issue on a multi-unit residential development, where her recalibration of material estimates and subcontractor coordination helped recover both timeline and budget stability. That moment became a quiet but significant recognition of her capability.

Years of steady performance eventually led to her promotion as manager of the construction department, where she now oversees estimation and quantity surveying for multiple projects across the Lower Mainland. In her role, she mentors younger professionals, including newcomers who face the same challenges she once encountered. Her journey reflects not sudden success, but sustained discipline—built on adaptation, continuous learning, and resilience in the face of repeated uncertainty.

Rita’s story stands as a reminder that professional identity is not lost through transition; it is rebuilt through persistence. In a demanding industry and a competitive environment, she proved that progress is rarely linear, but with diligence and steady effort, even the most difficult beginnings can lead to meaningful and lasting achievement.