My name is Mohamed, and coming to the United States was a dream that came true. We know this country as the land where dreams come true, hard work pays off at the end no matter how hard you try. Back home I have an architect degree and decent experience. I chose to come to California because this is the only state that allowed me to apply for a license after completing certain steps that are less complicated than other states in the US. I didn't have enough resources to go to school, so that seems like the perfect choice for me to take. Fast forward after I moved to LA, I started to educate myself about the regulation and the necessary information that is important for all architects needed in their design. I thought that if I worked hard I would have a fair chance to succeed and prove myself. I started applying to different firms, small and big businesses for two years while I kept moving from different jobs to pay my bills. But none of my applications got a response! But I wasn't going to quit at this setback. I decided to apply for a smaller position to be close to the field, so I applied to be an architect drafter, and after a few months, I landed a job which I was doing great. In less than a year, I had become the lead drafter/ designer at the office, until I learned that a new hire at the office and the other drafter I have worked with me were making almost one and half time more than I made! Knowing that I was doing most of the heavy-duty work at the office like a site visit and taking the measurement. So I requested an increase for my pay rate which I was denied on the spot and the treatment changed completely after that which led me to quit not so long after. But I wasn't going to let this put me down.

 

Not too long after I landed another job as a schedule coordinator and a site super, it was great and I never felt so alive to be close to see designs come to life, and this is when I decided to take an HVAC COURSE because I saw the opportunity in this field to work my way to become a contractor and have control over my time, my finances and hopefully a better chance to get my license in architecture. 3 months after I was let go due to the spread of COVID-19, and I lost my only source of income, and I didn't have the same spirit I had before this time! I got scared and worried, not just for my dreams that been put again on hold, I got scared that I might not be able to see my family back home again, I started doubting myself that I might be fighting a windmill, a fight that will never be won. I couldn't pay my bills, rent, and credit cards. I fell into a depression not knowing what's going to happen to me. I called my school management to cancel my tuition since I am not going to be able to pay” damage control”. But God had a different plan for me! They offered me all their help and gave me a different solution, they put back that spark of light that I can complete this to the end. I dedicated all my time between studying and looking for work.  Now I am working my way to get my GED and my license at the same time. I can feel again pride of my small achievements. I got my hope back!