A Hopeful Journey A Refugees It Career Path

| Read Our Blog Read Our Blog Blog A Hopeful Journey: A Refugee’s IT Career Path Lloret De Mar Pelayo January 8, 2020 IT Career Lab, Workforce 0 On September sixteen, 2018, Roberto Reyes was informed he was being watched by the Cuban authorities for expressing his opinions freely on-line. He knew what this meant, and he knew he had to go away. He had been taken prisoner for 2 days prior to now. He had been overwhelmed. He had seen acquaintances, neighbors and associates disappear. So, on September 17, 2019, with two family photos, four objects of clothes, and his computer science diploma in tow â€" he safely made his way to Mexico City with no plan except to get out and get out safely. He eventually made his way to Monterrey, then Nuevo Laredo the place he crossed into the United States and was granted political asylum. All the whereas, Roberto felt like he needed to “look over his shoulder” in worry that he could be forcefully taken back to Cuba. It wasn’t until he made it to Chicago did he really feel somewh at protected. “I nonetheless feared for my daughter and my mother. I could not contact them in any respect during this time,” says Roberto. Once he was formally granted the best to stay by a judge, Roberto was ready to begin his life anew. An info know-how skilled with properly over 20 years of experience, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a bachelor’s degree in pc science from Universidad La Habana â€" he was one of many fortunate ones in Cuba. However, he knew nobody in Chicago. All the English he knew was fully self-taught. He wanted assist. Once he had internet access, he related with World Relief and Refugee Social Services. “They helped me with everything, everything, every little thing,” says Roberto. “From helping me get Medicaid, get my social safety card, seeing a physician. Everything.” As an IT aficionado, Roberto needed to get again to work greater than anything. Knowing his passions and his skills would finest fit inside the world of IT, WorldRelief linked h im with National Able Network and IT Career Lab. Roberto quickly signed up for his programs and was employed as an IT intern while he studied for his Cisco Certified Network Associate certification (CCNA). Roberto says, “At National Able Network, I’ve discovered tips on how to better relate to people. I’ve discovered about the tradition, the true self-discipline and onerous work right here. That’s an important factor.” Roberto earned his CCNA and is at present in job search mode, in order that he’s nicely established enough to convey his daughter to America. “In Cuba you don’t have a life, you merely survive. Here, my daughter may have more alternatives. She’ll be capable of research what she desires. The United States has hope.” *This interview was carried out in Spanish and translated by the writer. Your e-mail handle is not going to be published. Required fields are marked * Comment Name * Email * Website Subscribe me to your mailing record Receive our newslet ters, breaking news alerts, and extra! Veterans Forward Orientation Careers by National Able Network: An Online Orientation for Nebraska Residents! Careers by National Able Network: An Online Orientation for Illinois Residents! View More…