Voices from the Community

My name is Ali Thamer and I am originally from Iraq. My family and I came to Utah as refugees in March 2010. I have a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering science, and before leaving my country, it was my dream to go back and start a graduate program there, but this would not be possible.

Over two years ago, when I started to apply to the International Organization for Migration to travel to the United States as a refugee, I started to think about that dream and how to make it real. When I learned that I would be resettled in Salt Lake City, I began to collect all the information about the University of Utah, and from the first day I arrived here I started to ask people around me, How could I reach the university? How do I start school again?

About a month after my arrival I met some people from the UNP/New American Academic Network (NAAN). The partnership coordinator, Ahmed Ali, met with me and helped me to begin. He told me that there are some steps I have to take before I could be a student. Soon, I began prepare for the Toefl test and all the preparation steps to be able to pursue my education at the University of Utah. In Fall of 2010, I passed the necessary tests and started my education as a non-matriculated student in the graduate program. While taking classes, I continued to prepare for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), so that I could fully enter the graduate program.

I think my dreams can be true because America is the land of dreams, and here in America there are some opportunities that can help you to realize your dreams; however, I also learned that you need to make use of these opportunities and develop a plan. At the same time, I needed to work VERY hard.

Before coming to Utah, I was working in Iraq as an engineer, supervisor and project manager. Many people told me that I should find a job first before I go back to school, but I said that I don’t want to waste any more time—I said let me get started. I can handle my expenses right now with working part-time and going to school part-time.

When I meet with people from my community, I talk with them about the importance of education and getting a degree from the United states, and how that will increase their opportunity to get a better job and have a good life.

I was also able to participate in the NAAN mentor program. I think the Mentor program is great, because it gives individuals like me an opportunity to meet with people who have the same major we do. These professionals have a lot of experience in their field and give us advise about how to get the license, how to have some training, which classes or programs that will develop our skills. Also, the mentors help with how to search for a job or may be able to provide professional connections. I got a job with my mentor and I am really grateful for him and all the people that helped me—it’s really a great opportunity, thanks for all.

I have had the chance that I dreamed about in the past to develop my knowledge, skills, and experiences here in America, so I will keep working hard to take advantage of these opportunities and to build my career, profession and complete my education.