Being an international student means I come from a diverse background, which I wear with pride.

I was born in South Africa and raised by a Tanzanian mom and a Congolese dad. After high school, I was sent to my mother’s home country due to political distress.

I came to Wichita in 2021 with $700 and a few pieces of clothing, and tried my hardest to secure a campus job and build my grades up.

It feels like it’s gone by in much less time, but after five years of hustling, four certificates, two minors and a biology degree later, I did it!

I can’t help but be emotional and hug myself at all the hard work I have put in to earn this degree here at Wichita State. I could not have done any of this if not for my mother helping me with tuition, the four internships I participated in and the many dog-sitting gigs I did.

Going my usual route to work, I would frequently pass through Eliott Hall on campus, I saw the Sunflower’s logo one morning and decided to head down stairs on a busy January morning.

I met the Editor-in-Chief, Taliyah Winn, and was immediately drawn to join. My time here at the Sunflower was quite enjoyable and has taught professional skills that I will use for the rest of my life. As a multimedia reporter I took photos, wrote some papers and have my own real place somewhere.

It’s so cool and I’m so proud I put myself out there during my last semester here at school.

I feel blessed to be on the other side of this very hard rainbow. All the work I put in will not be in vain, and I have secured a summer job.

Thank you!