Joyce Diakubama Kwetutedi
Quick Facts
Age: 19
Pronouns: she/her
Major: Computer Science
Place of birth: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Other languages: French and Lingala
Transfer Institution: Associate of Arts DTA, Bellevue College
“Civility is the practice of showing mutual respect, politeness, and consideration in our interactions with others. ”
Service & Work:
Secretary for the Panafrican Women in Society club at BC(Winter 2023)
Public Relations Rep for the Congolese Student Success Association at BC(Fall 2022)
Public Relations Representative for the Student government at BC(2023-2024)
Student volunteer for Orientation day (International Education Office) Fall 2022
Student Conduct Committee member for Bellevue College (Summer 2023)
Host show for New Young Scholars (NGO) 05/2024
Awards & Honors:
Academic excellence and leadership from New Young Scholars (2023-2024)
Academic excellence from Umoja (Fall 2023)
BC Foundation Scholarship
Eastside Windermere Scholarship
Joyce’s Story
Growing up in Kinshasa, Congo, I was surrounded by a supportive nuclear family that instilled in me the values of compassion, resilience, and the importance of education. My father worked diligently, holding two jobs as a math professor at the local university and in IT, while my mother contributed as an apartment manager. Every morning, our family gathered for breakfast, sharing and planning our day, which fostered a strong sense of unity and purpose.
I am the fourth child of six siblings, and my three older sisters set high academic standards as outstanding high school students. Following in their footsteps, I attended the same school and often had the same teachers, who expected me to perform even better. Although I excelled academically, the constant pressure to improve was challenging. Despite this, my parents were proud of my achievements and encouraged me to pursue a bright future.
However, my journey was not without its hardships. One particularly challenging moment came when I was in my final year of high school. Political unrest and economic instability in Kinshasa caused our school to have many issues, including frequent closures and disruptions. During this period, I felt a deep sense of uncertainty and fear for my future. These experiences taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of education, even in the face of adversity.
The education system in Congo is vastly different from that in the US. In Congo, resources are scarce, classrooms are overcrowded, and access to technology is limited. In contrast, the US education system offers more opportunities for individualized learning, access to advanced technology, and a variety of extracurricular activities. When I moved to the US, I felt like I was running while everyone else was walking, yet somehow, we were moving at the same speed. The transition was challenging, and I often felt like I was playing catch-up. However, these experiences strengthened my resolve to foster education equity and access in Congo, ensuring that future generations do not face the same obstacles.
Mission & Goals:
My professional goal is to use technology's revolutionary capacity to significantly enhance the education system in my home country, Congo. I hope to design and implement innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by our educational institutions, building on my strong technological skills. My objective is to make education more accessible and of higher quality, preparing the next generation to thrive and find their place in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, I am committed to driving positive change and leaving a lasting impact in my community and beyond.
