My name is Kongolo Mwenemkamba, and I will attend Grand View University this fall with three semesters remaining to complete my bachelor’s degree. I am receiving academic and football scholarships along with other financial aid, yet I am short of covering my total cost of attendance for this year. I hope you will take a moment to hear my story …

From war to hope

I am originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where my early childhood was marked by war and instability. When conflict broke out in our region, my parents, six siblings, and I had no choice but to flee our home. I remember hiding in the jungle for days, in fear and uncertainty, just trying to survive.

Our journey took us across multiple countries seeking safety, first to Tanzania, then to Mozambique. When violence erupted again, we ran once more, this time to Zimbabwe, where we spent four years as refugees. Though we faced food shortages, lack of clean water, and constant fear, those years helped shape my resilience. Every time we had to run, I learned to adapt and hold onto hope.

In Zimbabwe, we applied for asylum through Catholic Charities and the United Nations. I'll never forget the day we were approved to come to the United States. For a family of nine that had lost so much, we finally felt hope returning.

Building a new life

We arrived in San Jose, California, when I was six years old. Everything was new: the language, the people, the food, the culture. I already spoke Swahili, Kibembe (my tribal language), and French; now English would become my fourth language.

Starting school in second grade, I quickly realized I was behind in every subject, especially reading and writing. I had trouble telling letters apart, and reading aloud felt impossible. I pushed through for years, not knowing I had dyslexia. In high school, I was finally diagnosed, and everything made sense.

After four years in San Jose, we moved to the Iowa City area. My teachers there were kind and patient, providing the support I needed to succeed. I finally became fluent in English and discovered my strengths. I fell in love with history after reading about French explorer Jacques Cartier, whose story captivated me and helped me understand connections between the past and present.

Finding my path

Outside the classroom, I found confidence and community through sports. I was varsity soccer captain at City High, and I helped my club soccer team win the State Cup. On the Little Hawks football team, I was ranked the 24th kicker in America in 2021. Sports taught me discipline, leadership, and teamwork while giving me lifelong friendships. In 2022, I graduated high school with a 3.3 GPA and became a US citizen.

My journey then took me to Iowa Central Community College, where I played football and earned a 3.3 GPA. I was named Athlete of the Week twice and Co-Special Teams Player of the Year. After two years at Central, I transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, where I earned a 3.7 GPA. Unfortunately, I had to return home due to financial hardship, completing my second UNI semester online.

That's when Grand View University reached out with an offer to join their football team, the 2024 NAIA National Champions. After learning about their academic and athletic programs, I knew it was the right place to complete my degree in communications with a minor in history.

My goals and your impact

After graduating, I want to use my education to make a difference through media, community outreach, or youth programs, helping people who have experienced trauma, loss, or learning challenges as I have. I believe my story can inspire those who feel like giving up, especially immigrants and students fighting unseen battles. I want to give back to the country that gave my family a second chance.

After scholarships and financial aid, my remaining balance for the 2025–26 school year is $3,711.50 per semester (total: $7,423). I am applying for more scholarships through Grand View and cooking at a local restaurant, saving every dollar I can. I am hopeful this GoFundMe will help me reach my goal.

The finish line

From hiding in the jungle as a child to preparing for college graduation in the United States, my journey has been anything but easy. But every step has shaped me into the person I am today: a fighter, a learner, and a leader. Your support will help me finish what I started and continue on a path that could change lives, including my own.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and belief in students like me.