We welcome newcomers to Battle Creek Michigan.

Hello, my name is Ellen ETO and I am 17 years old. I come from a place that has experienced a lot of challenges. I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo where my family and I faced financial difficulties, violence, and limited access to requirements such as food, water, and healthcare. Although I experienced these hardships, my experiences have inspired me to help others who may be going through similar struggles.

When I was growing up in Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District Malawi. I saw how bad poverty can be. Lots of families, including mine, found it hard to get the things we needed to live. It was tough for people to find work and make enough money to stop being poor. This meant that a lot of people stayed poor for a long time, and it was hard for them. Even though things were tough, my parents always told me that education was really important. They said that it could help us change our lives for the better, so I worked hard to follow my dreams.

Apart from being poor, Congo was also facing a lot of violence. There were conflicts inside the country, and the government was not stable. This made life difficult for regular people who were caught in the middle. People were very scared and worried all the time. Seeing how bad things were, I wanted to live in a safer place. So, I moved with my family to Malawi, where we hope to find a better life.

Malawi offered a new beginning for us, but it brought its own set of challenges. Despite being a peaceful country, it faced struggles with poverty and limited access to basic resources. Our time in Malawi allowed me to gain a better view of the difficulties faced by people not only in Congo but also in neighboring countries.

My family and I moved from Malawi to Battle Creek, Michigan in the United States after being there for ten years. This change was both exciting and overwhelming. It meant we had new opportunities and a chance to better resources, but we also had to adjust to a different culture and society. For me, this move was an opportunity to pursue my dreams and bring about a positive change in the lives of others.

From the beginning of my journey until now, my passion for nursing and the medical field has remained consistent. I saw the bad impact of limited healthcare access during my time in Congo and Malawi. My dedication now lies in ensuring that nobody is left without the medical attention they require. My goal is to become a home care nurse, providing important healthcare services to those in need, especially in underserved areas. 

The people of the Democratic Republic of Congo are still facing many problems. These include political instability, poverty, and limited access to important services. However, I want to help improve the lives of those affected in my home village by providing a donation to build a nursing center.  

I hope to use my skills in nursing to rebuild hope that people get better healthcare in Congo and here. This means making sure everyone can get the care they need.

In conclusion, my background and the difficulties faced by people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have shaped who I am today. Experiencing poverty, violence, and limited access to basic needs has developed the desire to make a difference. My journey from Congo to Malawi and eventually to the United States has fueled my passion for nursing and healthcare. I'm determined to use my knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve the lives of others, especially those who face challenges similar to those I encountered in Congo. 

I believe that everything is possible through Jesus Christ the lord. 

Humbly submit 

Ellen Eto 

Student of Battle Creek Central High School