I Like America

Nineteen-year-old Van Van landed at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in April 2010.  He was ready to start life anew after years living as a refugee in a country neighboring his home country of Burma.
 
Before resettling in the United States, Van Van worked as a waiter for two years where he developed cooking and customer service skills.  “Every job is a good experience for our lives because when we have children we can teach them our experience,” says Van Van today.
 
With Van Van’s strong restaurant experience in mind, IRC employment specialist Susie Davisson helped him apply and train for a job as a sandwich maker at a local restaurant.
 
In coming months and as his English improved, Van Van was promoted to a cashier, and later became qualified to train new workers. 
 
“Van Van’s attitude is so positive and with his friendly demeanor, he developed some great networking skills,” says Susie. 
 
Today, Van Van is a cashier at a Dallas-area restaurant, where co-workers appreciate his hard work and ready smile.  Down the road, Van Van hopes to open a sushi restaurant with a group of fellow Burmese refugees. 
 
“Life is challenging,” says Van Van.  “I like America.” 

To learn more about hiring refugees at your workplace, email the IRC in Dallas at Dallas@Rescue.org or the IRC in Abilene at Abilene@Rescue.org.