Global Cleveland Turns 10 | Samira

Iranian-born Samira Valakhaan shared her warm admiration and appreciation for Global Cleveland as a newcomer finding her way.

“I came to Cleveland from Tehran in September 2016. I am very grateful for all Global Cleveland has done for me. To help people like me to find my way. Immigration is such a difficult experience. You go in reverse, you have to find another identity. So many things change in your life. So many societal pressures, especially in the Middle East. You have to create different behaviors, to find a new personality. It can take two years, sometimes more or less, to have this process. Global Cleveland makes this easier to have a better outcome. So many people from there were so helpful on this journey. In the years that I have worked with them, Global Cleveland was my source for everything. In my immigration case, whatever questions I had, I knew they were there for me, interested to help me. That is something really great, something exactly I needed. I count on Global Cleveland.

Global Rising was a program that helped me. I heard it through a friend. He introduced me to Joe Cimperman. Joe talked to me and recognized my needs. I talked to so many good people there, and eventually, we figured out I needed to go back to school. I studied law in Iran as an attorney for ten years, and longer as a law student. Coming to the U.S., I lost my job and license. The best thing for me was to go back to school. I applied mainly at CSU and Case which are two great schools. I didn’t want to move again. I did lots of talking with those in the legal field. Global Cleveland helped me network and understand which is better, and which school can lead me to the best way for me in the future. This welcoming attention I received applying for admissions or anything else, Global Cleveland was always ready to provide for me. I am looking forward to attending CSU in person this fall.

Everyone at Global Cleveland is so kind and courteous. Friendly, open, and so many other things. The main thing and most important thing, they really help people. They ask what this new member of society really needs to be a better person, to be stable, to help her in her field. 

When asked if Samira found a sense of “home” and belonging here in Cleveland, she shared her thoughts on how Global Cleveland helped her feel welcome. 

Sometimes I ask this question if I feel at home here. I think yes. I started to feel like this is my home so I don’t want to move anywhere else. No more immigration. You feel you have somewhere to call home. You have memories – happy, sad, nervous – so many emotions. When you see any corner, any neighborhood, you remember your past. You have history, even if it’s not long, but it is still history, to feel belonging. I have many good friends who are not Iranian, who make me feel at home in Cleveland. I am very grateful for all this organization has done for me, such a warm welcome, they help people find their place here, to make Cleveland a better place.

Based on the goodwill and good intention, I see Global Cleveland growing. Good people will join them to help other people join the city. For example, one day, I personally will welcome other newcomers, maybe one day. I will be more than happy to help. I received help from those who kindly helped and welcomed me. So everyone like me will do the same. This society will grow with kindness and trust to help this city so that so many good things can happen. There is so much potential.”