What is your position at the University of Nebraska?
I am a program coordinator for the CASNR Undergraduate Scholarship Program (CUSP) for Rwandan students and for IANR’s Global Engagement office. I started in November 2015.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska?
The opportunity to work with students. Before joining UNL, I recruited students for professional roles and internships. I also volunteered with international student organizations throughout college and during my career. The opportunity to be on the other side of that - to be part of the journey a student takes to discover their passions or skillset that will lead them towards their career or vocation is one of my greatest joys.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
Helping students explore, discover and achieve their goals, whether academic or professional.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Coming to the U.S. as a teenager – a refugee, learning the language, adapting to and loving this country and thriving in it, with the help of family and wonderful supportive communities, has been a great achievement. Since then, I have developed the desire and ability to connect with people across languages, cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds throughout my life. I was exposed to that before coming to the U.S. but my experiences here have solidified that desire.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I have always loved writing – poems, short stories, essays, even policy briefs and now I’m learning screenwriting. Now more than ever, I feel I have good excuse to binge watch Netflix; I can say: “It’s for a class”.
What is your life like outside of work?
Traveling, writing, painting and drawing occasionally through the visual arts group at Lincoln Berean. I am part of a Congolese group focused on skills and leadership development in the Congolese diaspora.