The American dream. Although the interpretation has certainly evolved over the years,
the basic premise has remained the same in the eyes of many around the world.
For one family, the American dream undoubtedly has come true and PRS Global is proud to have played a part in it. On January 30th, 2019, Ivy Tagala-Villan, her husband Ryan, and their eight-month-old son, Kristoff took their first steps on American soil toward a future full of promise.
Ivy always envisioned her family being able to move to America, but the likelihood of being given the opportunity seemed bleak given how many Filipino nurses aspire to come to the US. However, upon completing her nursing degree, Ivy was recruited by PRS Global for a job in America. Her prayers had been answered. But because there was a backlog at the time, Ivy moved her family to the UAE for three years while awaiting her green card approval. She made the most of this time, however, gaining valuable work experience as a nurse.
“Throughout the visa process, I was always nervous that something would go wrong or something would happen to delay our move even more. But Simon, Linda and the whole Providence team were there with me every step of the way though, ensuring that the process was completed as smoothly and as quickly as possible.”
Once the approval came through, Ivy returned to the Philippines from the UAE to obtain her visa screen for travel to the U.S..
“After a long flight, we were so excited when the plane finally landed in Nashville, but then the nerves set in. Could we do this? What will it be like to live in a new country? How hard will it be to get settled? I knew that God was with us, but I still think it was the longest 15 minutes of our lives just waiting to step off of the plane.” However, their fears and worries were quickly calmed when Ivy and her family were greeted inside the airport with welcome arms.
“Linda was waiting for us in the baggage claim area with a sign welcoming us to America. We instantly felt more relaxed, knowing that we were not alone and that we would continue to have guidance along the way. She even brought a coat for my son. I knew we were now part of a new family who cared for us.”
After a wardrobe change, adjusting for the colder Tennessee winter temperatures, the Villan family was on their way to their new home in Louisville, Kentucky the next morning, transported by Linda personally.
Upon arriving in Louisville, PRS Global helped Ivy and her family get settled into their new apartment. They helped them to become familiar with the area, finding a grocery store, a bank and a church, even helping them obtain a new vehicle. As they began to unpack their life in the U.S., the Villan family was introduced to other Filipino RNs in the area and immediately found community and familiarity with others who also longed for the opportunity to build a new life in America.
Ivy traveled to Indianapolis and secured her State of Indiana RN license. She then began working at the Clark Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Clarksville, Indiana, just fifteen minutes from their new home. After she completed her orientation, Ivy was introduced to the facility staff and attended her welcome party, held by her new teammates.
“After all of the hard work, all of the time waiting on paperwork to be processed and all of the nerves we battled, I can honestly say that this has been one of the best experiences of my life. Everyone has been so nice and so welcoming. I am in love with my job and the wonderful people that I’m working with each day. We have met so many amazing people that have helped to make our transition easier. Our family is beyond blessed. We couldn’t be happier in America, our new home, full of opportunity.”
