"It Felt Like Victory"

Every student in CRIS’s Employability class knows that finding a job can be difficult, especially with limited English and experience in the working field. But inspiring success stories of fellow classmates give everyone the hope they need to continue their hard work. One of those stories has been the talk of the CRIS office lately. Ala and Mohammed, from Sudan, came into CRIS one day a little more chipper than usual. They excitedly shared news that they had been offered full time jobs at GENCO, a warehouse company that ships printers and ink cartridges all over the world. Tara, their job counselor, and Chris, their teacher, were especially pleased to hear the good news as Ala and Mohammed’s pride was beaming from their smiling faces.A few months ago, CRIS helped Ala and Mohammed apply for the positions at GENCO. Having already applied to five different jobs, the two were thrilled when they were contacted to arrange an interview. This was the moment all of the hours in Teacher Chris’ Employability class would be put to the test. To their relief, Ala and Mohammed made the impression they needed to. “It felt like victory,” Ala said, when GENCO called back and asked when they could begin their training.Their advice to other refugees looking for work? Be patient. “Finding a job is not easy. But if you take the assignments in class seriously and try your hardest to always improve, it will pay off.” The most valuable thing they learned from their class time at CRIS was the importance of being prompt and on time, something our over-scheduled lives in America rely on, but is not a strictly enforced rule in many other countries. There are, however, some things no amount of time in the classroom can teach and the two have learned a lot in their first couple weeks at GENCO. “How people interact in the working field in America is different from Africa. When you’re working, you’re working. There isn’t any time for distractions, and you have to stay very focused.”Ala and Mohammed feel engaged everyday at work. They are learning new things, especially on computers. They also feel comfortable with their fellow co-workers. “We feel at home when we’re together with them. We’re making friends, and we know that if anything goes wrong, they’ll help us.” Even so, Ala and Mohammed admit that they sometimes feel the tension of competition within GENCO, and notice some employees are jealous of their success. “We just keep telling them-- our time in class at CRIS is key to why we are here.”The two CRIS “graduates” plan to stay with GENCO for a while, and hope to continue to move forward in their careers. They will be busy balancing work with classes at Columbus State this fall, but are certain that their dedication and drive will result in a promotion or new career opportunity one day.Written by Resettlement Intern Kelsey Ullom