From UNAR to Immigration Law: A Legacy of Support
Fathima Qureshi, 27, was born and raised in Rochester and while attending SUNY Geneseo interned at the Catholic Family Center and the Maplewood Community Library. As an intern, she taught English as a Second Language Classes at the library and also shadowed the CFC refugee resettlement program. Looking back, she remembers the kindness of the people she helped.
Touched by gratitude: The experience was very humbling. It showed me the difficulties that many refugees face. More than anything it showed me that it wasn’t always their choice to be in America, but they had to have the willpower to survive and give their kids a better life.
It also showed me how difficult the adjustment process can be. But everyone I worked with was so kind and grateful. I’ll always be thankful for the experience. It enriched my life.
Tea and cookies: I visited a Syrian refugee family in their home for a check-n with their social worker. The family was struggling to adjust to America but that didn’t stop them from being anything short of hospitable.
There was tea and homemade cookies made for us as soon as we arrived, and they were so thankful for our help.
Showing up: Most of the refugees I taught in ESOL classes at the library made sure to come and learn new vocabulary in English – whether it was Fourth-of-July themed or had to do with ordinary everyday life.
Many were professionals in their previous countries, and it meant so much to me that they would still show up to the class I taught.
An inspiration: I’ve graduated law school since then and am looking for a job. I did a lot of work in immigration law and hope to pursue a job in that field. My experience with refugees at UNAR really inspired me to pursue this.
