Jhari Mishra and Meena Siwakoti are no strangers to adversity, but have worked hard and are excelling as they achieve the goals they have set for themselves.  They were among the thousands of Bhutanese people displaced into refugee camps throughout Nepal when they were very young.  These camps remained their home throughout most of their life.  Although they obtained their education and were basically provided for, the camps were described as having “third country conditions” by the girls.  It was living in these camps that spurred their families to seek opportunities in the United States.  Both girls arrived nervous and not sure of what to expect and encountered many barriers as they tried to start their new life.  Jhari and Meena both arrived in the United States with their high school and campus diplomas from the schools they attended in Nepal but were often told they needed additional education or needed to have a better understanding of English when they applied for jobs in the U.S.  It was beginning to look like another struggle in life awaited them.

Jhari found a job and was able to work for a few months, but knew she needed to find something she could turn into a career.  Her brother told her about Job Corps but she said “I didn’t think I could do it, I didn’t think I could leave my family, or be around new people, new food and a new language”.  Her brother persisted and kept reminding her how important education and training was going to be if she was going to become successful.  She felt like she was working hard to help out her family.  “One day I decided I needed to not just work hard for my family and those around me, but I also needed to work hard for MY future” Jhari stated.  She arrived at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy in October of 2009.  Jhari was afraid when she first arrived and was intimidated by the language barrier she faced.  She knew adjusting to a place that was so different was going to be difficult and she worked hard to make Job Corps work for her.  Using outstanding social skills and superb politeness she quickly won over staff and students and once she adjusted and became familiar with the people she loved it!  “I was so happy to be there, everybody talked to me, everybody cared about me, and they were like a family”.  While enrolled in Job Corps Jhari obtained her new Resource Learning high school diploma, which helped her immensely with her English.  She also obtained her New York State certification as a nurse’s aid.  In addition to her academics and training she also worked hard in the social development program on campus, completing the center’ s rigorous advanced leadership training course and working as a student leader in the recreation department.  Jhari was highly visible around the campus and always had a “hello and a smile ready for you” Recreation Manager Pat Stivers said. Jhari said “Job Corps was so good; everything was good, I am so happy with what I am doing now.”

Meena was unable to find work.  She spent her time looking for work, taking ESL classes and supporting her family around the home before coming to Job Corps.  Meena felt as though she was “very responsible” for her family.  As the older sibling in her family she worked hard to ensure things were taken care of.  It was very difficult for Meena to leave home but she made the decision to enroll in Cassadaga Job Corps and arrived in April of 2010.  “Job Corps was very tough, but in a good way.  The teachers and staff want you to be successful and they help drive us forward.  The staff is very understanding and always tried to understand us.”  Meena completed the certified nurse aid program and was the first Job Corps student enrolled in the ELL program offered through Fredonia State University.  “Job Corps helped to teach me many things about myself.  I learned what I can accomplish and how far I can go.” 

Jhari left Cassadaga in January of 2011 and Meena in May of 2011.  They have left their mark on the center they graduated from and will not soon be forgotten.  Instructor Kathleen VanStry stated “I have never had more disciplined, respectful and hardworking students in my classroom.”  Both women are now employed full time at a local nursing home as a CNA.  They take a lot of pride in the work they do and strive to provide the best care possible to the residents they are responsible for.  Meena and Jhari will also both begin college in the fall.  Jhari is working towards becoming a licensed practical nurse with hopes of one day becoming an occupational therapist and Meena will be working towards an associate’s degree in nursing.  One of the next big goals on the horizon for these dynamic women is US Citizenship which they intend to work towards in the next year, as soon as they are eligible.