Coraima’s Story

A Nurse’s Journey from Ecuador to Minnesota

Coraima added to her list of accomplishments since moving from Ecuador when she officially became a U.S. citizen last October, joining her husband and infant daughter.

“When I took the oath, I was like, finally. I was so relieved,” she said about becoming a citizen. “Finally, I’m going to be part of this country. This is really my home now.”

Though she had only been in the country for five years, she recalled, “every year that passed was a long wait.”

Coraima was expecting a difficult citizenship process, but the International Institute of Minnesota’s immigration team helped her all along the way and made it quick and easy.

When I took the oath, I was like, finally. Finally, I’m going to be part of this country. This is really my home now.

Advancing at the Institute

Coraima first connected with the Institute shortly after arriving in Minnesota in 2020.

Even though she knew limited English, she quickly progressed through the Institute’s English program before enrolling in College Readiness Academy and Nursing Assistant Training.

“I was so nervous,” she described before her classes began. “What if I don’t know how to share my ideas?”

The Institute’s instructors eased her anxiety with their patience and understanding. She even described her first English teacher as the “nicest person ever,” due to the compassion and empathy the teacher showed to Coraima and all her classmates.

After just one year, she moved on to College Readiness Academy, the Institute’s highest English level program, while simultaneously enrolled in the Nursing Assistant Training.

“I am super grateful for the support because we need it,” she said about the Institute’s free trainings and classes. “People come here from different backgrounds and not many have money to pay for private classes and trainings. It’s helpful to have a place where you are welcomed and it’s free.”

Starting Over

Back home in Ecuador, Coramia worked as a registered nurse (RN). When she discovered her degree and credentials did not transfer to the U.S., she was initially devastated.

“All my efforts are zero here,” she first thought. Then, she reminded herself, “you’re young, you can do this again.”

Utilizing everything she learned from the Institute’s English and workforce trainings; Coraima was accepted into a nursing program at Herzing University in St. Louis Park and has since finished the licensed practical nurse (LPN) program.

Everything I’ve done has come to this point and I’m very proud of myself.

She is currently working as an LPN at an addiction treatment facility in Roseville, where she said, “the best part is seeing patients [reach sobriety].”

“I love my job, it’s the best job ever,” she shared. “I really like being close to the patients and getting to know them.”

Working as an LPN is just another step along the way. Coraima has been in school while working and will graduate as an RN this spring. After that, she will continue her education and begin a nurse practitioner (NP) program to which she has already been accepted.

“Everything I’ve done has come to this point and I’m very proud of myself,” she confidently said.

Family Time

As she looks ahead to life after school, Coraima plans to spend more time with her 19-month-old daughter who was born on Mother’s Day 2024, which she described as “the best gift ever.”

“I really love her. She’s the best,” Coraima doted about her daughter. “She keeps me busy and she’s the sweetest baby.”

Since her first interaction with the Institute over five years ago, she has been recommending the classes, trainings, and programs to her family and community. With the profound impact it has had on her family, Coraima urges other immigrants and refugees to take advantage of all Institute’s comprehensive offerings.

Don’t be afraid. To be an immigrant here is very difficult. It takes a lot of courage, and there will be a day when you think back and say ‘that was easy’

“I always tell people just do it. It can be scary to learn a different language, but we’re smart. We can learn. If we want to learn another language, we will learn,” she said.

Reflecting on all she has achieved since arriving in Minnesota, Coraima gives one last piece of advice to any New American in a similar situation: “Don’t be afraid. Changes are very difficult. To be an immigrant here is very difficult. It takes a lot of courage, and there will be a day when you think back and say ‘that was easy’.”