January 25, 2025. Daily Reflector. By Mohsen Zakaib

Imagine this: You have a life you love, surrounded by friends and family, running a successful business. Then, war begins. Your world is torn apart by bullets, bombs and danger. Uprooted, you leave behind your home, loved ones and the comfort of familiar systems.

This is the reality refugees face every day. Refugees are people who have fled their countries due to war, violence or persecution. They are not just seeking safety but striving to rebuild their lives.

As a medical student and N.C. Schweitzer Fellow, I see firsthand the struggles many refugees face. My partner and I launched HealthPals, a project to help refugee families from Colombia, Guatemala and Syria resettle in eastern North Carolina.

HealthPals’ mission is simple yet transformative: increase medical literacy and connect refugees to essential resources. We lead no-cost medical workshops, host dental and eye clinics, and provide social support in refugees’ native languages.

But their needs go far beyond health. Many face barriers like navigating immigration paperwork, enrolling children in school and finding stable jobs. Addressing these challenges requires collective effort — a village where everyone contributes. The resilience and courage of these individuals inspire us to do more, demonstrating the strength that comes from community support.

Misconceptions about refugees, often fueled by political rhetoric, hinder their integration. A common myth is that refugees “steal jobs.” Yet a 2017 U.S. Department of State report found “no adverse long-run impact” on the U.S. job market. Refugees often fill labor shortages and contribute to economic growth.

They also enrich our communities with cultural diversity, bringing resilience, creativity and fresh perspectives. Helping refugees succeed is more than an economic investment — it is a moral imperative rooted in shared human values. When we extend compassion, we not only empower others but also uphold the ideals that define us as a society.

We all have a role to play. Whether donating, volunteering or advocating for policies that uplift refugees, small actions can make a big difference. Here’s how:

• Understand and combat misconceptions: Engage with refugees directly to challenge stereotypes and build empathy.
• Vote for compassionate policies: Support laws that aid refugees and counter those that marginalize them.
• Donate or volunteer: Partner with organizations like Interfaith Refugee Ministry to provide essential items, funds or time to help refugees rebuild their lives. Visit helpingrefugees.org/about.php to learn more about our nonprofit partner organization, Interfaith Refugee Ministry.
• Prioritize refugee mental health: One in three refugees experiences depression, anxiety or PTSD. While healthcare providers play a critical role, everyday acts of kindness — like helping with transportation or local systems — can also improve their mental well-being.

Whatever your profession, you can contribute meaningfully:

• Health care providers: Offer free or discounted care.
• Legal professionals: Assist with immigration processes.
• Educators: Provide English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
• Employers: Hire refugees to support workforce integration.
• Business owners: Donate essential items to help families resettle.

HealthPals demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together. Refugees are not a burden — they are untapped potential, ready to enrich their new communities. Their success benefits all of us, creating stronger, more inclusive societies.

When we asked refugee families, “Where is home?” their answer was simple yet profound: “Home is where your family is.” This powerful response reminds us that, together, we can create a sense of home for those who have lost everything. Through collaboration and compassion, we can help refugees turn the page to a brighter chapter.

Will you join the village?

Mohsen Zakaib is a 2024-25 N.C. Schweitzer Fellow and a member of the Class of 2027 in ECU’s Brody School of Medicine. The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the official policies of ECU or the Brody School of Medicine.