Driving to My Dream
While in Burma, Saw Say worked for a Japanese-owned hotel, at which he took advantage of daily opportunities to practice his English skills with guests. In the late 1990’s, the Burmese military government forced Saw Say and others out of the country. When the owner of the hotel found out about Saw Say’s situation, he offered him a position at the Tokyo branch of the hotel if he were to relocate to Japan. Although appreciative of the offer, Saw Say did not move to Japan. Instead, he moved to Thailand and later to the United States.
Once in the United States, he wasted no time and enrolled in intensive studies to perfect his already superior English skills. Saw Say began a diligent job search process, working closely with HAP’s Employment Counselors and Job Developers. He also enrolled in HAP’s Employment Readiness Class, through which he demonstrated exceptional attendance, punctuality, and willingness to help other students. Because of his strong work ethic and high level of English, Saw Saw quickly found employment. Although grateful to have a job, he expressed that his real dream was to once again work in a hotel.
HAP’s Job Developer arranged for Saw Say to participate in a grant-subsidized work program as a janitor for the new Hmong Village retail development. Saw Say excelled in the position and earned the praise of the development owners.
Around the same time, Saw Say registered for HAP’s Driving Program, funded through the Walmart Foundation, through which he participated in behind-the-wheel driving lessons. Saw Say failed the driving test the first time, but insisted on calling the testing station himself to make a new appointment. He passed the test on the second attempt, which enabled him to continue his search for hotel employment.
Toward the end of the three-month subsidized work experience, Saw Say was excited to see a job posting for a hotel housekeeping position. HAP Job Developers were confident that Saw Say’s excellent subsidized work experience in Saint Paul would augment his hotel experience in Burma to make him highly qualified for the open position.
Saw Say practiced mock interviews in HAP’s Employment Readiness Class, perfected his résumé, and gathered letters of recommendation from his Minnesota references. After a successful interview, Saw Say was offered the position and accepted without hesitation. He was thrilled to again have the opportunity to work in a hotel!
HAP staff members have been extremely impressed by Saw Say’s many accomplishments in the short time he has been in the United States. In October 2009, Saw Say was invited to tell his story in front of a group of nearly 200 people at HAP’s fundraising dinner. He gladly agreed, and his story impressed and inspired HAP funders, staff members, and constituents.
HAP is proud to tell his story.