The day after I took my final nursing exams in Lebanon, I left to the US. I was shocked and confused to have my life change so fast. But here in my new country, I had to quickly start learning everything again – not just my education, but even basic things like how to use the bus or go shopping.

My case workers signed my family up for summer English class with KRRC. The teachers were so kind and helped me feel welcome. They didn’t just teach us English – they taught us important things about life in America, like being on time and planning for the future step by step. Every day, I felt a little more hopeful.

I love being involved in my new community. At KRRC’s World Refugee Day, I painted children’s faces while my family helped serve food and set up tables. I also helped translate with First Day Shoe Fund for children in the schools to get fitted for new shoes.

One of my proudest moments was speaking at the KRRC Refugee Film Festival. I shared my story about coming from Syria. It felt good to see that people really cared about us and wanted to understand our experiences

I’m still working toward my dream of becoming a nurse through the MSU IMPART Alliance Direct Care Worker Certification program. This is my first step to get back into nursing. I am learning everything I knew in Arabic but in English.

When I first came here, I needed lots of help. Now I help others! Every time I help translate for a new family or volunteer at an event, I remember how it felt when I first arrived. I’m proud that I can now make my community stronger by helping others, just like people helped my family when we needed it most.