Story #3 About A Resilient Girl Who Followed Her Heart 

My name is Yasmine Kadouri. I am fromAlgeria. I came to Philadelphia in September 2019 to join my husband who has been living in the USA since 2014. We got married in 2016. I earned a Master's Degree in Pharmacological and Biochemical Engineering in 2012. Before coming to the USA I worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician.I loved doing my job. Five months after I arrived in the States, I gave birth to my lovely son Jude. Three months later I joined the International Professionals Program at the Welcoming Center, where I got the chance to learn a lot of things, and most importantly, to gain confidence by meeting people that were just like me “coming from all around the world with a lot of ambition and perseverance”. Currently I am serving as AmeriCorps VISTA (VISTA=Volunteer in Service To America) with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. I help improve the ability of behavioral and mental health emergency units in Philadelphia to serve patients quickly and efficiently as they move through stages of care. 

Mini-questionnaire 

1. What are you most passionate about in life? What makes you happy?

I am passionate about helping others and spreading positive vibes. Making someone feel better is my best accomplishment. Being useful to others contributes to my well-being, that’s why I became a volunteer. I love crafting: making handmade pieces and crocheting are my favorite things to do to unwind my brain. Whenever I have extra time, I grab a yarn and a hook, and start a new project. I love to donate my crocheted items. All of them are made with love.

2. What is your biggest goal to achieve at the moment?

My biggest goal during this time is to work on myself and improve my lifestyle to achieve optimal health. I would also love to open a small crochet business. 

3. One thought on immigration you would like to share with others?
I see immigration as a way to seek new opportunities, to develop my skills and to represent my home country abroad in the best way possible. The hardest part of it is to live far away from my family. I have left a lot of unforgettable memories behind…