Watch Parastu's video

Overview

I need a laptop of any brand and a cellular phone. Meeting this need will help me because I will be able to complete assignments as well as apply for jobs that require you fill out an application online. My family will also have something they can use to keep in contact with family and friends back in Afghanistan.

My goal is to become employed. I will need to provide for my family and having a working phone where a employer can contact me about a job opportunity would be amazing. Having a phone and computer will help me adjust to the American work culture.

My current situation is I am newly arrived to the United States. I plan on gaining employment to help provide for my family. I need a phone, not only to maintain contact with my mother and siblings, but I will also need it for potential employers to contact me.

The laptop would not only help me with continuation of my studies and completing assignments, but my brothers and sister will also be able to use it for their own school work and to have something to play with. Since we are new here it would be nice for us to research local areas to find foods or other goods on our own.

I'm from Afghanistan and now I Live in the Bay Area, California. Something interesting about me is that I truly enjoy school and learning. I'm happiest when going to the park with my family. I'm most proud of my family making the move from Afghanistan and trying to start our new lives here in the States.

My future goal is to become a lawyer. I have always expressed interest in human rights issues, mainly because of my own experiences. Once i make this dream come true I plan on giving back and helping others in similar circumstances.

Watch Samantha's video

Validated

Validated by Samantha from International Rescue Committee (Nor-Cal, Oakland) (What does this mean?)

We met Parastu the night after she and her family arrived in the U.S. It was the night of the IRC's annual holiday party and we were picking the family up so they could attend their first American holiday celebration! Parastu is the oldest of her three siblings and helps her mother out tremendously. Considering the family had less than a day to adjust or even relax, they were more then thrilled to attend the event and enjoy the festivities. Since then Parastu and her family have been attending classes and appointments at our offices and have been great to work with.

I think meeting this need is important because Parastu will eventually be the sole provider for her family. She is adamant about finding employment as well as learning as much as she can. She would like to have something available in her home that she and her family can use for assignments and for leisure. A phone is a vital need for Parastu and her family. She will need to be in contact with them when she is out working and she will also need a personal phone so potential employers can set up interviews with her.

Parastu is a young women taking on a commendable task as provider for her family who has just resettled here in the States less than a month ago. She is smart and will do anything in her power to obtain her professional goals as well as making sure her family is provider for.

About Samantha

My job title is Employment Associate. My work involves helping newly arrived refugees gain employment and financial comprehension within three to four months of their arrival. I assist them with building and revising their resumes, mentoring them on a course towards economic freedom through… Read more