From the Philippines to Montana: Finding home on the Hi-Line

From Crystal J. Glade

Northern Montana Health Care Marketing and Public Relations coordinator

When John Basilio boarded a plane bound for Great Falls, Montana, he was looking for more than just a new job - he was looking for a new adventure. For the Filipino Medical Lab Technologist, Montana was a blank canvas, a place he had only heard of in name, thanks to the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana". But John, a big fan of Hollywood film and television, wasn't seeking fame or fortune; he was seeking a change of scenery, new opportunities, and a fresh start.

Basilio's journey to the United States wasn't without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic had put his original plans on pause, shuttering an opportunity in Virginia and leaving Basilio searching for another way to make his American dream a reality. Montana eventually emerged as an unexpected answer. With little more than a suitcase, $800 in his pocket, and an unwavering determination, Basilio landed in Great Falls, Montana, on a chilly April day in 2021. A co-worker met him at the airport, and they embarked on the drive to Havre. Surrounded by the rolling plains and wheat fields of Montana's Hi-Line, John quickly realized just how far removed he was from the bustling streets of Dubai, UAE, where he'd spent the last few years working as a lab technician.

Basilio admits that his arrival was a bit of a shock to his system. The bitter chill of Montana's winter was a far cry from the tropical warmth of the Philippines or the arid heat of Dubai. "Seeing snow was always a bucket list item for me," John said, "I still remember the temperature at the Great Falls airport when I landed - it was 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 0 Celsius, something I had never seen!"

Basilio's new life in Havre began in a small room at the hospital, where he stayed while searching for a place to live. He had no credit cards, no Social Security number, and no personal connections. Basilio, reflecting on being raised in the Catholic faith, said he believed that God had a plan for him and redirected him to Havre. It was this belief that kept him hopeful that he could make Havre his home. The early days were tough, though. He relied on hospital coffee and vending machines for a while and had to catch rides to the grocery store for microwaveable meals. Yet, despite these initial challenges, John was also met with an incredible kindness he hadn't expected.

Basilio's co-workers at Northern Montana Health Care were quick to welcome him. They offered him spare furniture, shared meals, and made him feel like part of their community.

"I thought America was a 'mind-your-own-business' kind of place," Basilio said with a laugh, admitting that his ideas of American culture were largely based on Hollywood portrayals. "But here, people actually wanted to help. They made me feel welcome."

Basilio's journey was about more than just adapting to a new culture; it was about proving himself in a medical profession that doesn't often get the spotlight. As a medical lab technologist, Basilio is part of an often-unseen team that helps save lives every day.

"We're not doctors or nurses, but we're just as essential," he said, with a hint of pride.

Basilio's passion for his work is one of the reasons Northern Montana Health Care has begun looking beyond U.S. borders for skilled professionals like him, according to NMHC Director of Employee Service Cami Hillis.

"John is one of many talented employees we have hired internationally over the last few years," Hillis said.

As Basilio settled into life in Montana, he began to embrace the local community. He joined his new roommates for barbecues, fishing trips, and even ventured into his first American bar. Basilio learned his way around Havre by putting many miles on his walking shoes, going between his home, work, and the grocery store. He chuckled as he recalled standing under a tree in a downpour one day, realizing it was probably time for him to buy a car, which he was soon able to do.

Hoping to make the United States his home, but still wanting the ability to travel more freely without running into immigration issues, Basilio opted to apply for his employment-based green card, sponsored by NMHC. Obtaining his permanent residency was a process fraught with red tape and uncertainty over the last few years. Basilio faced multiple delays and setbacks that often left him feeling deflated. However, he pushed forward, and just three days before his birthday this summer, he received the news he'd been waiting for. Basilio was officially a permanent resident.

"It was the best birthday gift I could have asked for," he said, beaming.

With his green card in hand, Basilio now looks forward to the future with renewed hope and is in the process of planning a trip back to the Philippines to visit his father, whom he hasn't seen in six years.

Basilio's story is one of resilience, adventure, and finding family in unexpected places. It's also a testament to the power of the Hi-Line community - both in welcoming new faces and in recognizing the value that international talent brings. For John Basilio, the journey from the Philippines to Montana has been more than a change of scenery; it's been a journey to the heart of what makes a place feel like home.