I arrived in Maine in April 2015. The apartment where I was living was in the same building as Claudette’s office. Every working day, when I was coming in or out of the building, I always saw her at the front desk, well seated in front of her computer. We greeted each other without any comments. Through this image, I saw myself in my country, working in the administration of the hospital. She was an admirable person and I always wondered what she had studied or done to earn that position. I shared my thoughts with a friend, who unfortunately pointed out our weaknesses, the English barrier. It was discouraging.
I remember in 2016, one day Claudette briefly talked to me about a group helping women immigrants. She asked me if I could join it and participate in the Saturday class. Due to my work schedule, I was unavailable on Saturday. The idea of the class starting with yoga classes made me somewhat hesitant since Yoga is contrary to my beliefs. I had another conception about it.
In my third year in the United States, I felt stuck and lost. I wondered what I came to do here and how my future would be. It was very hard to speak English. Our origin languages were spoken everywhere I went: at work, in church, and in the neighborhood. It was impossible for me to do anything by myself and I always needed an interpreter. Like everyone else, I relied on what I heard without checking. My level was getting worse. I decided to join In Her Presence English conversation group.
In In Her Presence, I’ve acquired a new way to see my life and a glimmer of hope has appeared. First, my success depends on me and not on others. Secondly, I have to trust myself. I have potential and values that the community can benefit from. With that mentality. Claudine Kandja went from a despairing woman to becoming the Employee of the year 2018 for my company. Finally, in addition to the English conversation, there are a lot of activities and professional connections. We have career advisors who help us write resumes for different job ads. Following their advice, I plan to take the English Career Success course with In Her Presence in the fall. I’m sure that I will also work in a non-clinical service in this country.
For readers who have issues or who know women in difficulties, I invite you to join us in In Her Presence, a great family where women express themselves. I’m grateful to In Her Presence, as well as to all the people or organizations that constantly support In Her Presence.
