San Jose, California 13 Oct 2006 - When Raman Gevargiss left Iran for the United States in 1991, he arrived with $40 in his pocket, an aunt in San Jose, and a dream for a better life. He found a job at the Photo Drive-Up using a unique interview technique: "Hire me,” he told his future boss. “If you don't like me, fire me in 30 days, no pay." Within six months he was store manager.

Raman has continued to make a better life for himself in America, but he still speaks with the same optimism. "It is a trillion times better," he says about his new life in California, where he now works as an admissions representative for Area Truck Driving School, an enterprise that has helped several refugees resettled by the International Rescue Committee earn commercial driver licenses.

Raman recognizes that his dream will take many years and more hard work to achieve. "People take it for granted, coming to this country," he says, "but unless you have a very rich family, life will be hard."

Raman left Iran to escape political and religious persecution. Even though he was young, with family, friends and an established life in his native country, he felt the risk and the cost of coming to the U.S. would merit the sacrifice. "In Iran," he says, "you can't buy anything without cash. There was no job, no economy. Here you can go to school, have a better future. You can afford to be independent."

For people in the position he was in 15 years ago, Raman advises patience and perseverance as they learn a new culture and language. "You always have to build the foundation of your life," he says, stressing the importance of education, good credit and hard work. Above all, he emphasizes the importance of reaching out to others like him. "Choose good friends who will show you around,” he says, “and help you to make the right decisions." 

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