Interstaff nurses Jacklyn and Joy share about how having a fellow Interstaff nurse to relocate with and how meeting each other has improved their relocation experience and transition to the United States. Community and friendship played a significant role in their journeys.
Jacklyn W.K. shared:
We met in a WhatsApp group (Interstaff Arizona group) last year. People feed their names in different hospitals in the group chat. We contacted each other after discovering we were joining the same hospital.
We would chat now and then. We connected and found we had many mutual friends.
We met at the airport in Kenya for the first time but had different flights. Later, I met with Joy and Jasmine at the Phonix airport.
It’s easy when you are both new and doing things together. Facing the “idiot phase” together makes someone learn and research more, and you don’t feel like you are slow to learn because you are both at the same level.
Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed, and when we meet, we talk and discuss some issues, and my spirit gets renewed. Thanks to the Peers and Interstaff for checking on us. It’s not that we don’t have questions for you, but even before we ask, we find ourselves getting answers from research and during our evening walks. We tend to know most of the offices and places around us.
Some things we have done together that were easier were visiting the SSN office and DMV, driving to school, school for our children, getting Wi-Fi hooked up, car searching, and so much more!
Thanks, Joy, for bringing my family along for the Fourth of July (Independence Day) celebrations. It was awesome ❤️ To many more adventures!!
Joy M. shared:
Moving to a new country can be challenging, but having someone you can call or visit to share with makes the journey bearable and enjoyable. Having a fellow Interstaff nurse has made my transition successful because I talk to her and ask for opinions before making decisions, like enrolling my child in school or car-searching.
We met for the first time in the airport in Nairobi before boarding, and despite being on different airlines, I felt at ease knowing that once I got to the other side, I would have someone I knew, which helped alleviate the fear of the unknown.
When our Relocation Lead left, I did not feel lost or under so much pressure- maybe because I knew I was not alone. Friendships are very helpful, and I can personally say our relationship has been the pillar of our success so far.
We don’t interfere with each other’s personal lives but try to make life enjoyable in every way possible. We were able to celebrate Independence Day together because once I learned there were to be fireworks in a park, I called and asked her if she would want to join us, and she was really happy I called. We had fun, and the children enjoyed it.
Friendship is paramount to a successful relocation, and I am very grateful I have Jacklyn just a call away. I pray that our friendship continues even after this.
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