Nilab's Story
Creating New Opportunities for Her Son in the United States
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Before arriving in the United States, Nilab and her young son spent time in a military camp for refugees. Life was difficult and restrictive there. Her son was just one year old at the time and, like any child, needed space to run, play, and explore the world around him. But opportunities for those everyday childhood experiences were limited.
"It was a military camp," Nilab recalled. "My son was one. He needed to run, talk, play, and do those things, but those things weren't there." When Nilab was resettled in the United States, she hoped life would become easier, "When I came here, I thought, ‘I'm free’,” she recalled. She also found herself facing a different set of challenges. As a single mother in a new country, she struggled with isolation, limited English skills, and the uncertainty of navigating daily life on her own. “I realized I couldn't go anywhere or do anything by myself," she said. Much of her time was spent at home. She wanted to build a better future for her son, but without strong English skills or a support network, she often felt stuck. The loneliness was one of the hardest parts of her early resettlement experience. Everything began to change when she connected with Virginia Rodriguez at MART. Virginia became a trusted mentor and source of encouragement, helping Nilab access resources, enroll in English classes, and gain confidence in her ability to succeed. "Virginia helped me," Nilab said. Learning English was challenging, but Nilab remained determined. As her language skills improved, so did her confidence. Virginia encouraged her to pursue new opportunities, including accepting a job cleaning houses to pay for her son’s daycare and household bills. Eventually, Nilab enrolled as a student at Bellus Academy, where she trained to become a nail technician. Completing the program was a significant milestone, opening the door to a career and greater independence. Today, Nilab is employed as a nail technician and takes pride in supporting herself and her son. She continues to strengthen her English skills, build her career, and create opportunities for her family. Looking back, she is proud of how far she has come—from the restrictions of a military camp and the isolation of early resettlement to a life filled with greater confidence, stability, and possibility. She also has a message for other refugees in the United States: "Don't give up. Even when everything feels difficult, you can keep moving forward." Nilab's story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the powerful impacts of community investment. Her success is measured by more than her schooling and career, and includes her displays of her courage, resilience, and the hope she continues to pursue for herself and her son in their new life in the United States. |
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