I am Mariama Korka Diallo, a new immigrant from Guinea, West Africa. When I first arrived in the United States, I felt so alone. I didn’t know many people, and it was winter—the first time I had ever seen snow, coming from a warm place. I stayed inside most of the time. When I tried to go out, I had trouble with things like public transit and PennDOT. People were unfriendly and didn’t want to help because I couldn’t speak English. When I found The Welcoming Center, I felt so relieved. It was nothing like what I had been through before.

Before I was introduced to TWC, I was told that I couldn’t find a professional job in America without a certificate and was advised to pursue a career in home health care, but I knew I could get a better job than that. Before coming to the U.S., I had over a year of experience in HR and six years as an Administrative Assistant at a law firm. I was fluent in four languages. So why didn’t that experience matter?

Someone recommended that I go to TWC for assistance finding a professional career, and I am glad I took their advice. I vividly remember my first day here when I asked about English classes. I expected it to be like high school or university classes. However, I quickly realized it was a different type of class.

I was also recommended to the International Professionals Program and Immigrant Leadership Institute. I was nervous because I was concerned about my language barriers. Despite this, I applied, and a few weeks later, I received an email for my first interview. With both programs, I learned even more than I expected. I expanded my network, learned about different cultures, and, at the end of the Leadership program, all the participants organized events around different civic topics. My event, “Who Will Listen to Us,” discussed the challenges that immigrants face when learning English. It was my greatest moment here and an amazing experience.

Another great moment was when I received my certificates at the English for Job Search, Immigrant Leadership Institute, and International Professionals Program recognition ceremonies. I also received a special recognition certificate from the ILI program. I was so proud of myself.

Without The Welcoming Center, my adjustment to the U.S. would have been more challenging. Through my connection with the Immigrant Leadership Institute, I became more involved in my community. I volunteer at a shelter with the Lutheran Settlement House every Thursday to cook and share meals with the elderly. In the future, I plan to be a facilitator at Let’s Talk Philly to help immigrants who need support with their language barrier. I am also learning more about Philadelphia daily and I like visiting new places, like the Philadelphia Zoo, the Reading Terminal Market, and more while enjoying quality time with my family.

The Welcoming Center has been a valuable resource and the best thing I’ve experienced in the U.S. The staff are all very friendly. They make me feel at home. I even was able to secure a job as an Administrative Support Specialist at the organization. I want to thank Aliyah, Maureen, Manuel, Becca, Linlin, and my coach, Daniel, for their unconditional support. They have brought a lot of happiness and light into my life at a time when I needed it. Thank you all for the love and support.