Joseph started his first day of classes at Penn State University last August. Education has always been an important part of Joseph’s life, and he was in the middle of his law degree before being resettled to Lancaster. From his first week in his new home, Joseph began working towards reconnecting with his studies even while he recognized the challenges ahead in balancing work and life in a new country.
“I know achieving my goals in the US will be a marathon, not a sprint.” —Joseph
Shortly after arriving, Joseph was welcomed into the CWS Lancaster Youth Mentoring program where he was paired with a caring Lancaster couple who walked beside him as he adjusted to life in a new community. Together, they not only worked through university applications and FAFSA forms but also attended plays and community events and helped Joseph connect with other young people in the program.
Even with support, the path was anything but easy. “The FAFSA form needed proof of my parents’ income,” Joseph explained. “How could I provide that when they’re still living in a refugee camp in another country?”
Fueled by his own unwavering determination and guided by his mentors’ encouragement, Joseph kept moving forward and has officially started his studies at Penn State.