Asalaamualaykum Ladies! My name is Waffa and I am an ESL professor at a reputable College in Toronto. I have a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Ottawa. This was a big achievement for me, considering my journey and the confidence it took to get here.

Here's a bit about my background: I had a stroke at the age of 2, which left me with a permanent disability. People often doubted my ability to get married or have children because of my disability. But Alhamdulillah, Allah is the best of all planners. I got married, became a mother in 2014, and decided to pursue my dream of becoming a college professor.

I started my Bachelor's degree in 2014 when my son Abdullah was just six months old. Balancing motherhood and education was incredibly challenging, especially since I couldn't afford daycare. I had to build confidence in myself and develop a routine that allowed me to study while taking care of my son. In 2019, I had my second son, which made things even more complicated. Despite these challenges, I managed to complete my Bachelor's degree in 2020.

There were many days when I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up. My husband worked long hours from 7 am to 7 pm, so I had to handle most of the childcare and household responsibilities. The lack of confidence and fear of failure often haunted me. However, I set strict routines, putting my kids to bed at 8 pm and dedicating 8 pm to midnight for my studies. Each night, I fought through exhaustion and self-doubt, but the thought of creating a better future for my children and building my own confidence kept me going. Graduating with my Bachelor's degree in 2020, while raising two young kids, was one of the proudest and most confidence-boosting moments of my life.

I deeply understand the struggles of learning English and preparing for an exam, especially when you're juggling motherhood and battling with confidence issues. When we first arrived in Canada as immigrants when I was three years old, my parents couldn't even ask the bus driver for directions. The fear and uncertainty they felt inspired me to help others overcome similar challenges. With years of experience overcoming language barriers, building confidence, and completing my education, I’ve decided to start an IELTS Speaking Ladies club to support Muslim women like you on your English language journey, helping you gain the confidence you need to succeed.