African Refugee Makes the Most of his American Dream
ECPI University-Greensboro Student Graduates with Perfect Attendance, High Honors, and Job at Microsoft
As a child, Steve Matondo was stuck in a refugee camp, hoping for a better life. A native of the Republic of the Congo, he first found refuge in France, but his goal was to immigrate to the United States where his wife, also a Congolese refugee, was living in Greensboro, North Carolina.
When Steve finally arrived in America, he spoke no English, but wasted no time teaching himself the language. His first job was working at a department store, but he knew his modest wages would not allow him to support a family, so he decided that a college degree was his ticket to a better life.
After looking at his options, Steve enrolled in the Cyber and Network Security program at ECPI University’s Greensboro campus. “I knew it was going to be a big risk, taking a student loan to study in an accelerated program in a new country. Also a challenge to manage between school, family, and work, but with the help of my family, friends and all my instructors, I was able to break through all that I thought would be impossible,” says Steve. “Now I have enough tools to attack my future.”
Steve wasted no time. First he earned an Associate, then a Bachelor’s, and now his Master’s degree. He finished his programs with perfect attendance, a 4.0 GPA, the President’s Award, and as Student of the Year.
“Steve is an exemplarily student and overall person,” says ECPI University Student Success Coordinator Charlie Coleman. “Being a student does not stop life from happening around you. Steve has persevered through many life obstacles, all with a smile on his face. His motivation to succeed and humble nature has allowed him to chase and conquer, his dreams. I am proud of Steve and all of his accomplishments!”
“Steve has persevered through many life obstacles, all with a smile on his face. His motivation to succeed and humble nature has allowed him to chase and conquer, his dreams.”
~Charlie Coleman
ECPI University Student Success Coordinator
Steve will also be honored as student speaker at this year’s graduation on Friday, June 7 at the Carolina Theatre. His parents will be travelling from their home in France to attend, along with a number of other relatives. He will be delivering parts of his speech in both English and French so they can enjoy his words as well.
“My message will be to remind everyone that nothing is impossible,” he says. “It is all depends on the decisions you make, the time, the availability and the energy that you dedicate to reach your goal.”
Steve is now a Senior Engineer at Microsoft and is living his American dream. “I wanted to be a good example to my family and friends, and to offer hope to others who feel they can’t improve their situation,” he says. “As they say, if I can do it, anyone can do it!”
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