Reviving My Passion: A Journey from Personal Care to Immigration Innovation

My journey has been one of reinvention and resilience. From spending long hours as a personal care assistant to revolutionizing immigration processes as a systems engineer, each step has been a testament to my commitment and passion.

From Personal Care to Caregiving

My client: I work in home health care as a personal care assistant for a disabled man. He is quite capable of many things on his own, but for his complete safety and security, 24/7 care is essential. He needs assistance to avoid dangerous situations like wandering naked at night, setting fires in the kitchen, or worse, facing assaults by those who prey on the vulnerable. The pay is not great, and there are no benefits, but the joy I derive from connecting with my client makes the sacrifice worthwhile. He is a sweet, funny guy who loves his pets and has a genuine appreciation for art and color. While these qualities delight me, the realities of the job can be quite demanding. I often feel the strain of late nights and backaches, but the knowledge that I provide necessary care for my client fuels my dedication.

Experiences and Challenges

Twice a week, I spend 24 hours in his house. We go to the gym, parks, and for social outings, but it's not without its challenges. Each task, from baking gluten-free meals to cleaning after him, requires patience and skill. I have seen firsthand the impact of good care, especially during health crises. The underlying satisfaction and the positive difference that I can make are unmatched. However, the job is difficult to find individuals who both can and want to provide this care without significant compensation. I persist in this role because I am determined to ensure that he has the care he needs, no matter the cost.

A Brighter Horizons: Systems Engineering at USCIS

Eight years ago, I found myself working as a systems engineer for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on September 11th, 2017. A personal connection to immigrant families, growing up in New York City, fueled my resolve to streamline immigration processes. My job involves device management and supporting software developers to make the application process more efficient.

In the early days of this role, despite working in a politically charged environment under President Trump’s administration, the challenge of working against his primary agenda invigorated me. My determination is highlighted by a specific achievement: devising a method to use existing devices in field offices to initiate remote video interviews. This innovation drastically reduced the need for physical presence by allowing applications to be processed from anywhere in the world, streamlining a complex and often cumbersome process.

The impact of this work is significant. I was responsible for recruiting over 500 people to build out the network infrastructure, further proving the potential for remote work in this industry. I successfully reduced the need for large office spaces and massive facilities, unlocking millions in cost savings for the agency. In doing so, I initiated a more flexible and efficient immigration processing system, proving that technology can be a powerful ally in driving positive change.

Reflections and Rewards

While my current job has its own unique rewards, it’s important to reflect on where I started. The care I provide for my client is deeply meaningful, but it’s the feeling of positively impacting thousands, if not millions, of individuals through my work in systems engineering that brings me the most satisfaction. The absolute satisfaction of knowing that I am contributing to a larger societal benefit is invaluable. My old friends in New York take pride in my achievements, and I continue to cherish this work even through financial challenges.

The journey from personal care to systems engineering has been fulfilling. Whether it's spending hours with a client who needs my assistance or pioneering technology that improves lives, each day is a reminder of the difference that we can make. If you find your work so meaningful that you would do it even with reduced pay, then you truly have found your calling.