Diana’s Story
Diana sits with a small group of Kindergarteners during their daily reading group. She points to two words on a whiteboard and asks, "What is the difference between these words?" The kids eagerly share their answers, and Diana smiles at them, affirming that they are correct. This is a regular part of her job as a helper at Columbus Bilingual Academy - North Campus, but Diana never thought she'd find herself in Columbus, Ohio, living and working and teaching kids (in English!).
In her native country of Colombia, Diana studied psychology and worked for an organization that supports children in rural areas. She and her colleagues traveled to the outlying jungles to provide medical care, education, and food to children who needed it. Even though it was potentially dangerous work – her brother-in-law, a police officer, had faced threats from guerrilla groups while working in the same region – she loved her job.
But in September of 2022, the danger came close to Diana. A guerrilla group targeted her and threatened her life. They demanded money, or else she would be in serious trouble. Knowing the threats were serious, Diana quickly packed a few things from her apartment and went to her parents' house in her hometown. Her family was well-established in the area, and being with them always made her feel safe. Her mom worked at a local university, her older sister was an accountant, her niece went to middle school, and her dad worked as an operator for a large construction equipment company. Her other sister lived nearby with her husband (a police officer) and their son.
But soon, the guerrillas found Diana and threatened her family too. They all decided to leave together. They went to Ecuador, where they registered as refugees. For months, they waited for what came next. In August 2023, Diana, her parents, her sister, and her niece were able to come to the United States. They had to leave behind her other sister and family.
As they settled into their new home in Columbus, Diana and her family were eager to begin working. With the support of CRIS’ Resettlement and Match Grant Program staff, Diana, her parents, and her sister were all able to find work within their first two months in the U.S.--a local warehouse. CRIS Match Grant caseworker Jania Cano-Murphy knew that Diana had experience working with children and reached out to connections at Columbus Bilingual Academy - North (CBAN) about the possibility of Diana working there. She was hired as an Instructional Assistant in a Kindergarten class in September and has been working there ever since.
On the weekends, Diana and her sister attend English classes at Columbus State. She and her family have been able to purchase a vehicle, which has been a tremendous help in making sure everyone can get to their respective jobs, medical appointments, grocery shopping, and general everyday living.
Diana explains, “I enjoy my job very much. Everyone at the school has welcomed me and it is a great environment to be in. It has helped me apply the English skills I am gaining through my classes at Columbus State.” As for her future, Diana hopes to be reunited with her sister and family still living in Ecuador, and she is hopeful about the life she and her family are building here in Columbus.