This post is part of How I Did It, a blog series written by scholars in the Duolingo University Access (DUA) program. Each author shares their own story — in their own words — reflecting on identity, resilience, and what it takes to pursue education across borders. A partnership between Duolingo and the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the DUA program supports refugee students around the world in accessing higher education opportunities.
When I moved to the United States, I came with three suitcases, one backpack, and a heart full of questions. I had never lived away from home. I had never been this far from my family. At first, I barely spoke because I was afraid of being misunderstood. I felt small in a place that seemed so big and fast. But little by little, I found my voice.
Now, when I speak English, I feel like a different person. More open. More sure of myself. But it took time.
I grew up in South Africa, born to Congolese parents. I started learning English in kindergarten. My father spoke it, but my mother, who speaks many languages, didn’t yet. So I used to mix English with our home language to make sure everyone could understand me. In a way, I have always been a translator — not just of words, but of feelings and connections.
My friends describe me as organized, trustworthy, and supportive. I am usually the one who cracks a joke when things get tense. But the thing I am most proud of is making this journey to another country on my own. People say that is brave, and maybe it is. But I do not think of myself as brave. I think of my parents. They were the ones who escaped a difficult situation to give me a better future. They taught me that bravery is not always loud. Sometimes it is choosing to move forward even when you do not know what will happen next.
I come from a community that made each other family. Some of the people I call “auntie” and “uncle” are not related to me by blood. But they were there when we needed help. That kind of community taught me that no matter where I go, I will find my people and I will build a home.
One of my biggest challenges is that people think I always have everything figured out. They believe in me, and I do not want to disappoint them. Sometimes I feel pressure to always be the one with the answers, even when I am still learning myself.
But that is also what excites me — learning. I complain about homework and deadlines, but the truth is, I am so happy to be here. I am grateful to be in a place where I get to learn new things every day. This opportunity means everything to me.
If I had to choose how I want to be remembered, I would borrow the words from Beyoncé: “I was here.” I want people to know that I showed up, that I gave my best, that I made a difference in someone’s life — even in a small way. I want to leave a mark that says, “Lorcia was here. And she made it count.”