Asking for Your Support
A Journey of Faith and Resilience
When I was three years old, my mother took a leap of faith, moving us temporarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, hoping to one day find a safer community. Her unwavering belief in a better future for us.
Embracing New Beginnings
At the age of 8, we arrived in Buffalo. The transition was challenging; learning English was tough, especially while overcoming a stutter. Thank God for Saturday morning cartoons—that was my introduction to English and helped me a lot!
Path to St. Joe's
The Buffalo community welcomed us, offering support at every step. I discovered ice hockey through Hasek's Heroes and met Coach Ian Trudell. I found a second home at NativityMiguel Middle School with Father Durkin. These experiences paved my way to St. Joe's, where I navigated city buses, rigorous academics, and new friendships.
The Buffalo community welcomed us, offering support at every step. I discovered ice hockey through Hasek's Heroes and met Coach Ian Trudell. I found a second home at NativityMiguel Middle School with Father Durkin. These experiences paved my way to St. Joe's, where I navigated city buses, rigorous academics, and new friendships.
Overcoming Obstacles Together
My time at St. Joe's taught me resilience and determination. The JV hockey team’s perseverance after playoff losses echoed my mother’s drive. Starting hockey at age 9, I fell countless times but always got back up. This journey culminated in winning the state championship with the Federation team this past February. I can't remember a more perfect moment in my life.
My time at St. Joe's taught me resilience and determination. The JV hockey team’s perseverance after playoff losses echoed my mother’s drive. Starting hockey at age 9, I fell countless times but always got back up. This journey culminated in winning the state championship with the Federation team this past February. I can't remember a more perfect moment in my life.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
As I prepare for my freshman year at John Carroll University, I reflect on the guidance and support of so many remarkable individuals—mentors, coaches, teachers, and above all, my mother, whose dedication to her family inspires me every day. These individuals have taught me the importance of perseverance and kindness, and St. Joe's has taught me the meaning of Brotherhood.
As I prepare for my freshman year at John Carroll University, I reflect on the guidance and support of so many remarkable individuals—mentors, coaches, teachers, and above all, my mother, whose dedication to her family inspires me every day. These individuals have taught me the importance of perseverance and kindness, and St. Joe's has taught me the meaning of Brotherhood.
Your Support Makes a Difference
My story is unique—there aren't many students from the Congo at St. Joe's. But I can tell you that hundreds
of students like me would not be here without the generous support of so many alumni and friends.
My story is unique—there aren't many students from the Congo at St. Joe's. But I can tell you that hundreds
of students like me would not be here without the generous support of so many alumni and friends.