Ntakirutimana Francine's Road to Andrews

Ntakirutimana Francine studies in the Andrews University Botanical Conservatory. (Photo by Nicholas Gunn)

The paths leading individuals to Andrews University are as diverse as the students themselves. Ntakirutimana Francine’s path is a journey of resilience, built upon hard work. Ntakirutimana, a junior at Andrews University studying biology pre-med in the J.N. Andrews Honors Program, serves as a powerful testament to the various ways individuals have overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams and calling.

Ntakirutimana's story took a significant turn when her family fled the Republic of the Congo for Tanzania during the Second Congo War, also known as the Great War of Africa. The fighting had claimed the lives of an estimated 5.4 million people and caused the displacement of nearly 2 million more. Regardless of these circumstances, Ntakirutimana's family saw hope in their newborn baby girl at this time of uncertainty, giving her the name which means "nothing is greater than God," which would serve as a prompt to Ntakirutimana to help her when in need.

The family faced many challenges in the Mtiblia refugee camp in Kasulu, Tanzania. “We didn't really have much; each of us had about two pairs of clothes. One outfit for the week and one outfit for church,” Ntakirutimana shares. The conditions in the refugee camp were appalling, with an ongoing risk of disease and crime, with much uncertainty.

Ntakirutimana recounts the stories her mother has shared of the family’s experience in 2008 when she was only five years old. “My mother said there were white people that were posting papers on the billboards, which caused a lot of commotion. Mostly because a lot of us had never seen a white person before.” The family learned these people were the International Red Cross.

Ntakirutimana remembers how the Red Cross would set up lines and interview everyone. “The questions they asked my family weren't hard questions, but they were more focused on our morals, to see if we would lie or if we were people they would want in America.” The process was filled with uncertainty and danger, as those who were selected to go to the United States faced jealousy and violence from others who did not share the same fate.

Ntakirutimana vividly recalls the day they received the news. Her parents kept their successful interview and acceptance into the United States a secret to avoid potential harm from others in the refugee camp. The family, including Ntakirutimana and her two siblings, packed their belongings discreetly at night. Her parents began harvesting extra crops and selling more goods secretly to fund their journey.

The children’s travels started by being awakened in the middle of the night by their parents, telling them to grab their few belongings and follow them to the woods. The family boarded a helicopter before taking a plane provided by the Red Cross, beginning a long trip leading to Massachusetts. The family and their immediate relatives were then dispersed across different locations, with Ntakirutimana finding herself in Worcester, Massachusetts. The drastic contrast between the warm climate of Tanzania and the snow-covered landscape of Massachusetts in winter was just one of the many adjustments she and her family faced.

“We came from Tanzania with short sleeve shirts and thin layered skirts, and we had never seen snow before. Soon we got off the helicopter, we all struggled to keep our balance on the ice.” Ntakirutimana explained.

Adapting to a new country and culture, Ntakirutimana started her educational journey in the United States. Initially, the language barrier was a significant hurdle, but with determination and the help of a friend from church, she quickly learned English. “I met a girl that was about two years older than me at the Pleasant Street SDA Church, and she basically taught me English. I didn't go to school for a year, and every sabbath she would sit by me and read Adventist books to me. I’m still unsure how we communicated because I spoke Kirundi and she spoke English,” shares Ntakirutimana. She would then begin school at Columbus Park Elementary, where she began her academic pursuits and then took ESL to better understand English.

The family then moved to Arizona, where Ntakirutimana continued her education in Tucson. She encountered challenges but persevered through public schooling. Eventually, Ntakirutimana attended Thunderbird Adventist Academy, a boarding school where she found a supportive community that nurtured her, both academically and personally.

Throughout her academic career, Ntakirutimana Francine has demonstrated dedication and leadership, earning numerous accolades and accomplishments. She finished high school in the top of her class with a 4.0 GPA. Fancine was selected as the Student Association president of her academy as well as the president of the school’s chapter of the National Honors Society, demonstrating her commitment to both community involvement and academic success.

Motivated by her passion for the medical field, Francine entered college with the intention of pursuing a pre-medical track but ultimately found her passion in biology. “Andrews University played a pivotal role in my decision, as the supportive staff, efficient communication, and guidance from the university made it the ideal choice,” she explains.

The journey through Andrews has been transformative for Ntakirutimana, especially in her sophomore year when she began to explore and understand her emotions more deeply. As someone from a culture where modesty in self-expression is deeply valued, Ntakirutimana had to learn how to communicate and manage her feelings. She described how Andrews University provided her with an environment where she could embrace and understand the importance of emotional well-being. "In my sophomore year at Andrews University, I learned to express my emotions, which is challenging in an African household where neutrality is often expected. It helped me release built-up emotions and develop into a better person."

Now in her junior year, Ntakirutimana balances her studies with various responsibilities. As a resident assistant in Lamson Hall, she contributes to covering her tuition by working during the summers and engaging in additional activities such as hair braiding. She recognizes the financial challenges but remains steadfast in her pursuit of education.

Ntakirutimana Francine is a second-generation Adventist, and her journey is closely linked to her faith. Her name and the challenges her parents encountered in Tanzania serve as continual reminders of the power acquired from their faith. Francine's relationship with God has grown as a result of seeing her parents' dedication; their relationship has given her inspiration and sustenance throughout her trials. Her firm belief in a powerful God gives her the courage to overcome setbacks because she knows that fear is the only thing standing in her way. Francine embraces her belief that there is nothing to fear because God is guiding her, and she progresses on the road with the trust that doors will open by the power of God.

Looking forward, Ntakirutimana plans to complete her biology degree at Andrews University and apply to medical school in the summer of 2024. Her commitment to education and personal growth and her resilience in the face of challenges exemplify the perseverance that defines her journey.