My name is Laurie, and I am 24 years old. On September 7, 2023, I arrived in the United States with my family, leaving behind the only life we had ever known in Haiti. The decision to leave was not easy, but it was necessary. Haiti had become increasingly dangerous, with escalating violence and instability threatening our safety. Despite the difficult conditions we faced while preparing for the journey, we were driven by the hope for a better, safer future. When we finally arrived in the U.S., we carried little more than our dreams and the determination to start anew.

I come from a large, close-knit family and am the youngest of six children. Growing up, we faced countless challenges, but my parents always encouraged us to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Upon arriving in the United States, I was overwhelmed by the complexities of rebuilding our lives in a new and unfamiliar environment. With eight of us in total, we had to navigate a maze of paperwork—Social Security Numbers, work permits, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The process was daunting, and I often felt lost and unsure of how to move forward.

That’s when I discovered the International Service Center (ISC), and everything began to change. From the moment I stepped inside, I was met with warmth, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging. ISC guided us through the confusing and often intimidating bureaucratic process, ensuring we had the documents we needed to begin building our new lives. Their support didn’t stop at paperwork—they also provided food, clothing, and basic necessities that eased our transition during those early, difficult days.

What stood out most was the care and dedication of ISC’s team. They treated me with dignity and kindness, always ready to listen and help. Every visit reminded me that I wasn’t alone on this journey. ISC wasn’t just a service provider—it was a source of strength, encouragement, and hope.

One of the most meaningful moments in my journey came in late September 2024, when I had the privilege of participating in the Refugee Health Fair organized by ISC at Harrisburg Area Community College. I was honored to be part of their International Fashion Show, where I represented Haiti through traditional dance and attire. Connecting with people from all over the world—Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, Congo, Cuba, Ethiopia, Gambia, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Vietnam, and more—filled me with pride and a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time since leaving Haiti, I felt fully embraced by my new community.

Beyond cultural connection, ISC also helped me take my first steps toward independence by assisting me in finding my first job at Amazon. This opportunity allowed me to support my family while continuing my education. But it was during that time that I discovered my true calling in the medical field. At the Health Fair, an ISC staff member shared that the healthcare industry would face a significant shortage of professionals in the coming years. That conversation lit a spark in me.

With ISC’s encouragement, I made the difficult decision to leave my job and commit full-time to my studies. Today, I am enrolled at University Jobs House, training to become a medical assistant, with the long-term goal of becoming a pediatric nurse—a dream I never thought possible before coming to the United States.

This journey has not been easy. Adjusting to a new country, balancing responsibilities, and supporting my family have tested me in every way. But ISC has been there each step of the way—offering not just assistance, but belief in my potential. Their presence gave me the confidence to persevere through uncertainty and keep moving forward.

I am profoundly grateful for ISC’s role in my life. They didn’t just help me access services—they helped me believe in a future filled with possibility. My story is proof that with resilience, hard work, and the support of a caring organization like ISC, anything is possible.

As I continue my studies and move closer to becoming a nurse, I carry with me the lessons of strength and hope that ISC nurtured. One day, I hope to give back—to offer others the same compassion and guidance I received, and to remind them that no dream is too far out of reach. Together, we can build a brighter future, one story at a time.