Refugee Accomplishes Goals, Makes American Dream A Reality
By: Marlisa Goldsmith
Updated: April 13, 2012
"We basically didn't have anything. No money, nothing, we had to start our lives at the beginning, like from zero," says Valmy Nzengui.
19-year-old Valmy Nzengui and his family came from the Republic of Congo to the United States in hopes of finding the American dream.
He says, "My first plan was to learn English in the first six months."
Which he did. It was not necessarily easy, but Nzengui has a strong work ethic.
"Wake up in the morning at 6:45, get ready for school, zero period starts at 7:30 and I'm at school until 11:15, and right after school I come home, rest a little bit, and get ready for work," he explains.
When he gets off he heads home to get a little rest and does it all again the next day, but it doesn't bother him much.
"We came to this country to actually work and have a better future," says Nzengui.
Nzengui has plans to attend college, earn a degree, and get a well-paying job, not only for himself, but for his family.
He says, "I want them to look at me and say I want to be like my brother."
Nzengui might not know what his future holds, but he is definitely not taking what he has for granted.
He says, "I am blessed. That's all I have to say."
Next week Nzengui will be honored at a conference to receive a scholarship award.
19-year-old Valmy Nzengui and his family came from the Republic of Congo to the United States in hopes of finding the American dream.
He says, "My first plan was to learn English in the first six months."
Which he did. It was not necessarily easy, but Nzengui has a strong work ethic.
"Wake up in the morning at 6:45, get ready for school, zero period starts at 7:30 and I'm at school until 11:15, and right after school I come home, rest a little bit, and get ready for work," he explains.
When he gets off he heads home to get a little rest and does it all again the next day, but it doesn't bother him much.
"We came to this country to actually work and have a better future," says Nzengui.
Nzengui has plans to attend college, earn a degree, and get a well-paying job, not only for himself, but for his family.
He says, "I want them to look at me and say I want to be like my brother."
Nzengui might not know what his future holds, but he is definitely not taking what he has for granted.
He says, "I am blessed. That's all I have to say."
Next week Nzengui will be honored at a conference to receive a scholarship award.
