Djemilatou

One week aftermoving from Burkina Faso, Djemistarted attending school in Manhattan. She hadnot yet made friends, her English was limited, andshe was placed in the ninth grade, several years behind whereshe was back home. Not understanding much and feeling demoralized, anyone could have understandably given up. But not Djemi! She fought her way back and, in two years, completed 9th, 10th and 11th grades with a 92 average.

In an immigration reform project, she led the class in independent research, finding gaps in existing studies, and bringing in other resources. She helped her classmates who were unaccompanied minors from Haiti seeking refuge to develop their personal stories as pathways to immigration.

I was surprised to learn that women in my country have the legal right to denounce domestic abuse, make decisions about their lives, and speak up for themselves.

However, these rights are never upheld. I found out about Bibata Ouedraogo, a Burkina woman who established an organization to educate women about their rights. I talked about her for weeks to anyone who would listen.”

Djemi is determined, curious, and funny, suppressing a giggle when talking about loving to roller skate. “I always fall but I always get up,” she says. She also loves human biology and diseases. And kids. She sees pediatric medicine in her future so she can continue providing support for youngsters. With her bubbly personality, work ethic, and scholarship, who better to treat our children and grandchildren?

Thank you to my college counselor, Ms. Epstein, who guided and supported me towards my goals, and gave me advice about college.