Today, we’re introducing you to a man named Ali, whose story of resilience reminds us that we can do everything right and still need a helping hand.
In 2023, Ali was forced to flee his home when war tore through the Sudan. He spent a year and a half in Egypt as a refugee, carrying with him “the uncertainty of the future, but also the hope that one day I would be able to rebuild my life and continue my journey in medicine.”
Finally, an old friend helped him find refuge in America.
“Arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin, was both exciting and overwhelming,” he recalls. He was starting over in many ways: adapting to a new culture and language, learning to drive, and finding stable work all presented challenges. “One of the most important turning points in my journey was enrolling in the refugee program at Forward Service Corporation in January 2025.”
You might think that Ali’s medical credentials would have made his transition easier. But Ali shares a very different experience.
Keeping Dignity in Difficulty
“When I first arrived, despite holding a medical degree from Sudan, it was extremely difficult to find employment,” Ali relates. “I applied for many positions in Appleton, including factory jobs, restaurant jobs, caregiver positions, medical assistant roles, and surgical technician jobs. I attended multiple interviews but faced repeated rejections. Eventually, I began working at a wood factory simply to support myself and continue moving forward.”
During this period, Ali’s FSC team worked tirelessly to help him transition toward a healthcare career.
While I was still working in the factory, Seth created a professional CV for me, gathered all of my educational certificates, and continuously applied for medical-related positions on my behalf because he understood my long-term goal of becoming a physician in the United States. Even though many applications and interviews did not lead to success at first, he never gave up on me.
From the beginning, the staff at Forward Service Corporation treated me with dignity, encouragement, and genuine care. I especially want to recognize Seth, Hannah, and Angie for the incredible support they gave me throughout my resettlement journey. Their help went far beyond employment assistance—they believed in my potential during moments when I was discouraged and uncertain about my future.
Removing Barriers
Finally, Ali hit a milestone when he received a job offer for a pharmacy technician position. The stable hours gave him a healthier work-study balance and the flexibility to prepare for his medical exams.
Throughout my employment, Seth, Hannah, and Angie consistently checked on me—not only regarding work, but also regarding my studies, mental well-being, and long-term goals. They made sure I had the support and resources necessary to continue pursuing medicine in the United States.
FSC helped Ali prepare for his exams, navigate digital resources, access a computer for studying, and enroll in Fox Valley Technical College. We also reimbursed his driver’s license expenses, providing bus vouchers until he passed his driving test, so he could remain reliable at work.
He was impressed by their absolute dedication to local refugee community, stating that “their support removed many barriers that refugees commonly face when trying to establish stability in a new country.”
Achieving a Dream
Last December, Ali passed his US Medical Licensing Exam, a necessary license for practicing medicine in the US.
Passing this exam was one of the proudest moments of my life because it represented years of sacrifice, persistence, and support from people who believed in me.
Shortly after, he received his ECFMG certification as well, a rigorous exam verifying his communication skills and clinical knowledge.
“Seth and Angie worked tirelessly to get me approved for the ECFMG certification reimbursement during time of limited funding in the refugee program,” Ali recalls.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Ali and his FSC team, Ali has finally been accepted into an Internal Medicine residency program in Florida.
Remembering the Journey
Looking back, Ali reflects that his journey “from escaping war in Sudan, to living as a refugee in Egypt, to working in a wood factory in Wisconsin, and eventually transitioning into healthcare and being accepted into residency has been incredibly difficult but deeply meaningful.”
None of this would have been possible without the compassion, dedication, and support of Seth, Hannah, Angie, and the entire team at Forward Service Corporation, Fox Valley Technical College and Fox Valley Literacy Program. They did not simply help me find a job—they helped restore my confidence, dignity, and sense of purpose during one of the hardest periods of my life.
I am deeply grateful to the American people, the local community in Appleton, Wisconsin, and everyone who supported me during my refugee journey. As I continue my medical training and career, I hope to give back to the community that welcomed me and to support other refugees who are trying to rebuild their lives and pursue their dreams despite the hardships they have faced.
My story is a reminder that when refugees are given support, opportunity, and people who believe in them, they can overcome enormous challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.”
