Ms. Basira’s journey to success began with unimaginable challenges and heartbreak. On November 6, 2021, following the fall of Kabul, she arrived in the United States—leaving behind her family, her home, and the life she had built in Afghanistan. At just 28 years old, she faced an uncertain future, yet her resolve to rebuild her life in a foreign land was unwavering.

Back in Afghanistan, Basira held a prestigious position at the Ministry of Defense, working in the Planning and Policy Department and serving on the Afghan Army Chief of Staff’s team. Her career reflected her exceptional capabilities and her deep commitment to public service. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance—a testament to her dedication to education and personal growth. Still, she had always harbored a dream of working in the medical field, a dream she carried with her through war and displacement.

When I left Kabul, I felt as though I was leaving behind a part of myself, but I told myself that this was not the end. I carried my dreams with me.

Upon arriving in the United States, the road ahead was far from easy. Like many refugees, she encountered significant cultural and language barriers. To support herself financially, she initially worked through staffing agencies, but the jobs were unfulfilling. She longed for a career that aligned with her true aspirations.

On February 27, 2024, Basira became a client of the Afghan team at the International Services Center—a pivotal turning point in her journey. During her first meeting with our team, she expressed her desire to pursue a career in nursing. Inspired by her passion and determination, we immediately began crafting a tailored plan to help her achieve that goal.

Following a thorough needs assessment, we developed a personalized Educational Development Plan. Our team regularly reviewed her progress and provided support in updating her resume to meet the expectations of healthcare and social service employers. Given her bilingual skills, we also encouraged her to explore opportunities in interpretation. Basira underwent interpreter training—covering professional standards, ethics, and procedures—and became certified through our Language Bank program. This certification enabled her to work part-time as a Dari interpreter, gaining valuable professional experience while also helping finance her continued education.

We enrolled her in Medical ESL (English as a Second Language) classes focused on healthcare terminology to support her medical aspirations. These classes, taught by dedicated physicians at the Language and Literacy Center in Lancaster, significantly improved her confidence and language proficiency in a medical context.

Understanding the importance of hands-on experience, we assisted Basira with job applications for healthcare roles. After weeks of effort, she secured a position as a Patient Care Technician at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital. In this role, she began providing compassionate care to patients—an experience that further solidified her commitment to a healthcare career.

While working, Basira continued her studies. We supported her enrollment in online medical terminology courses and guided her through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. To enhance her readiness for college, we invited her to a workshop hosted in partnership with medical students from Penn State College of Medicine. This event provided essential insights into college admissions and the U.S. education system.

All of her hard work—and the collective support behind her—led to a major milestone: Basira was accepted into the Medical Assistant program at TEC Centro, part of the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), with a full scholarship. This achievement marked a critical step toward her long-term goal of becoming a nurse.

Today, Basira balances her studies with her role as a Patient Care Technician at UPMC. Her journey reflects resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of community support. It is also a testament to the vital role of organizations like ours in helping newcomers rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Basira’s journey is far from over. She dreams of becoming a nurse and giving back to her community through compassionate care. Her story reminds us that hope, and determination can lead to a brighter future, even in the face of adversity.

This is more than a story of personal triumph—it is a story of breaking barriers, inspiring others, and turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth.