But with the U.S. stuck in a prolonged economic downturn, Fidelite's employer started cutting back work hours. Recently, she was given only 10 hours per week on the job.

Finding it hard to make ends meet financially, she came to the Refugee and Immigration Services (RIS) office in Hampton Roads. She spoke with the education coordinator, Suzi Smith. Breaking down in tears, Fidelite told Smith, "I need school and money and a job." The education coordinator suggested Fidelite enroll in the CNA program and referred her to Bon Secours. Six weeks later on February 18, 2010 -- with the help of a patient teacher, helpful classmates and a supportive family -- Fidelite graduated, earning a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate.

Several years ago, Fidelite and her husband had decided to flee the dangers of Rwanda when they learned of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Tanzania. With their ultimate goal of being resettlement to the U.S., Fidelite and family first moved to Tanzania. They wanted to give their children a better life -- one that did not expose their children to the corruption and violence of one ethnic group murdering another, one that did not involve police and soldiers ordering civilians to pick up arms to murder their neighbors overnight.

"Tanzania required a lot of patience," Fidelite explains. Before they would qualify for resettlement, they endured one interview after another, being cross examined to see if their lives really were in danger. After years of waiting, their names appeared among those who would be resettled in the U.S. "It was a great day for me and my family," Fidelite says. "Finally God answered my prayers."

Fidelite is getting ready to take her Virginia Board Exam for CNAs. Her prayer is that once she gets a job in the field, she will be able to help those in need, to be a blessing to all people that cross her path. Fidelite's dream is to go back to school -- to become a doctor so she can give back to others what God has given her.

Sara Mawa is a student at Norfolk State University and a Hampton RIS intern
Suzi Smith is the Hampton RIS education coordinator