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Immigrant Stories Coming Home Originally published in U Magazine Summer 2001 Web publishing with the permission of the Fargo/Cass Economic Development Corporation Newlywed Beth Karnik followed her husband, James, to a new life in Colorado, but North Dakota soon beckoned them back. "We missed home. We missed friends and we missed family," Beth says. Then James was offered a long-desired career with another company, so the couple repacked their belongings and returned home. They celebrated their first wedding anniversary back in Fargo. "The grass is always greener on the other side," she says. "There might be some things better (out-of-state), but you're also giving up a lot as far as friends, family and a sense of community." And with the big-city life comes big-time headaches. "There were times when we just wished things were a little less chaotic, less hectic." Beth had taught English at Kindred High School for six years before moving to Colorado last year; but after returning to Fargo, she studied her options, considering everything from sales to a corporate career. Then, Beth met a representative of Wells Fargo Bank during a holiday social sponsored by CareerlinkNorth. "I just knew instantly that she would be a good fit for our company," said Jeannette Allard, who often finds potential employees for Wells Fargo Bank by attending the holiday socials. Beth snagged an interview with Wells Fargo Bank the next day and was offered a job with the Fargo bank the following day. Today, she has embarked on a new career as a personal banker. "It's a good thing for people to do a job change because it keeps you on your toes," Beth says. "It's been a good transition." So, the Karniks have unpacked and settled into a new home. And they plan to stay. "A lot of people have misconceptions about what North Dakota has to offer," Beth says. "We are a progressive state."

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