South Dakota Achieve

Ismail’s Journey
Story by Service Coordinator, Kristi Heitkamp

Ismail was born in Sudan in 1983. He attended school in Africa through refugee camps through the 5^th grade. He was bitten by a snake in Ethiopia at the age of 10, and as a result was hospitalized for 9 months. Ismail suffered some long-term effects from the snake bite, including; a seizure disorder, neuron-toxic damage and right-sided hemiplagia (paralysis). Ismail arrived in the United States in 2001, enrolling for Special Education Services in 2004.

He started receiving services at South Dakota Achieve on December 4^th, 2008. Ismail had the desire and the need to become a US Citizen - not an easy process. We began by compiling the necessary paperwork and documentation – again, not an easy task. The ball really got rolling on April 15^th when Ismail completed the Fingerprint portion of the process. This was followed by two interviews with the USCIS officer and finalized on September 11^th, 2009 when Ismail participated in the Citizenship Ceremony. Ismail is very happy to be in the United States and receiving support from SD Achieve. He states “it is good” and “I have lots of friends now”.

Ismail is currently working in the Rushmore Room and living at the Lewis House. He has some lofty goals for the future – he is currently taking computer classes and wants to further his education. He would also like to visit his mother in Sudan.

Ismail loves to tell his story, and it is absolutely amazing. He is so happy to be here in the United States and in his words – “it makes me so happy” to be a US Citizen.