When Ani arrived in the United States two years ago, she carried more than luggage. She carried hope for a better life for her family. At 35, she was starting over in a country where the language, systems, and daily routines felt unfamiliar.

Simple tasks required courage. Job searching felt overwhelming. There were moments when uncertainty made the future seem distant.
Ani refused to let those moments define her story.
Her turning point came when she enrolled in Focus 360. For the first time since arriving, she felt supported and guided through a system she was still learning to navigate. With patience and encouragement from her facilitator, Ani began building the tools she needed to pursue employment.
She created her first professional résumé in the United States, practiced completing applications, and strengthened her interview skills. Each step helped transform anxiety into courage.
What once felt impossible slowly became manageable.
As Ani’s confidence grew, so did her resolve. She approached each opportunity prepared and focused, recognizing that success was not about luck but about learning how to position herself for opportunity.
Eventually, her efforts led to full-time employment as an Office Clerk with In-Home Supportive Services, bringing stability and renewed optimism to her family.
For Ani, the journey was about more than securing a job. It was about discovering that courage, preparation, and support can turn uncertainty into a path forward.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.
By Gayane Barsegyan, LACOE-CDP Specialist | Glendale Job Services