Undergraduate / Becoming advocate for change, both in United States and home Democratic Republic of Congo [4]

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

Finishing primary school, I never thought my life will be undergoing constant changes thus becoming advocate for change, both in United States and home Democratic Republic of Congo. From war zone of eastern Congo to cold Seattle the journey has been nothing than learning experiences.

I was born in Bukavu Congo, shortly after graduating from primary school the war began, leading to my first experience with change. Due to the war, I have been separated with parents since 2004, when I just turned thirteen. It transitioned to become unaccompanied refugee minor in Rwanda. For two year I did everything I could possibly do to find my parents. Unfortunately my efforts turned fruitless. Hoping to more resources, I went further east of the continent to Kenya by generosity of Catholic Church. I ended up living in Kakuma refugee camp where I could not access education.

However, I was resettled to U.S a transition that changed my life for better. I enrolled at Franklin High school with unpredictable academic abilities, for diverse reasons like denied to education for five years in Rwanda and Kenya. Additionally, class instructions were in English a language I was leaning. Some of my Peers believed I was doomed for failure. It was overwhelming to undergo such academic, social and cultural change suddenly. In short, my ability to excel academically was questionable. I lacked confidence; fear to fail was too much of a concern leading to unwillingness to stretch into new things. I had forgotten that willingness to try brought me out of deadly eastern Congo to peaceful Seattle.

While massive rapes still headlined the Congo news, I was particularly inspired by survivors of rape who has become advocates for change. I decided to be "change" by seeking election to become the president of the Political Science Academy at my school. Regardless of the efforts I invested, a number of times our plans failed. The change I envisioned did not turn into reality. It was disappointing results but worth the efforts. I learned success does not always have to be desirable outcomes, success may be measured by willingness and efforts invested into undesirable outcomes. Congo desperately needs change; however from my previous experiences I realized that before thinking about change answering key questions (How? When? With who?) is a crucial step toward change. Political Change in Congo has long waited by millions of Congolese people myself included. Without doubt finding answer to those questions can bring change in Congo.

Reflecting on the last few years, I realize my journey has been more than physical miles. I have learned to wisely use opportunities available towards future success. Determination and discipline have guided me though diverse challenges. Without a doubt the strengths and experiences gained throughout this journey will be essential to success in and outside the classroom at this institution. While Congo seems a long ways gone, the path ahead is full of opportunities that I hope one day lead me back to become advocate for change in Congo.