IWR’s core work is in recognizing that the way individuals and families become refugees is not the only story of their lives. We work closely with refugee-partners to co-determine what a successful resettlement would look and feel like for them individually, and for families as a collective. The following are stories from a family that has worked closely with IWR for four years as part of their resettlement journey.
Identifying details and locations have been modified to protect this family’s privacy.
Since my arrival in Ithaca in the early 2020s with my family, I have been engaged with Cornell University as a Visiting Scholar. I have delivered lectures and seminars and participated in workshops and international conferences. I have engaged in online education and earned several certificates in GIS, Python, Statistics, and geospatial analysis. In addition I have published eight papers in international journals based on my research.
After moving to Tompkins County, I decided to pursue a new career as a Pharmacist, which has long been my ambition. With the support of IWR, I began with a Pharmacy Technician Certificate course at Tompkins Cortland Community College. I want to continue studying pharmaceutical sciences and contribute to human health and well-being.
Since arriving in Tompkins County, my wife has attended English language classes. She has built her fluency to the point that she is now considering completing an associate degree program at a community college.
My eldest daughter was eager to study science, especially biological sciences. She found Ithaca High School to be the place for her dream. She started as a sophomore at Ithaca High School, and graduated to study at Ithaca College, before later transferring to Cornell University. She is studying to become a doctor.
Our middle child entered local elementary schools in 7th grade and enthusiastically joined multiple school sports teams. Our youngest was in pre-school when we arrived and is now enrolled in a local elementary school. We have been working toward our big success here in Ithaca. Ithaca is an academic dream, a happy, friendly environment shaped by academia and its people.
- Scientist & Father – Arrived in Tompkins County in 2023 from the Middle East
