Diana and Nadeje, two resilient sisters from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have been on an incredible journey since arriving in the United States as refugees in 2021. Their family came to the U.S. through Catholic Charities Fort Worth on a medical immigration visa, hoping to find a bone marrow match for their two younger brothers, who suffer from severe sickle cell anemia. Unfortunately, they were unable to find a match, but their determination to build a better life remained steadfast.
Initially, Diana and Nadeje, along with their large family, settled in through Catholic Charities’ refugee resettlement program. Despite the setbacks and the pressure of supporting their family, the sisters enrolled at Tarrant County College (TCC), taking full course loads while working full-time to help their parents who had lost their jobs.
Their hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Diana, the older sister, and Nadeje, just a year younger, transitioned to Catholic Charities Fort Worth’s Stay the Course program, designed to support students in achieving their educational goals. With this program’s help, they flourished academically and personally.
Despite the challenges of balancing work and studies, both sisters maintained impressive GPAs.
Diana, with her nurturing spirit, was keen on a career in psychology, with dreams of working with children and potentially returning to Catholic Charities as an intern. Her journey wasn’t without hurdles; a car accident that required significant repairs tested her resolve. With the support of Stay the Course, she navigated transportation challenges and learned to accept help from others.
Nadeje, on the other hand, had a clear passion for accounting. Her love for numbers and strong-willed nature drove her to seek opportunities in big accounting firms. She played a crucial role in encouraging Diana and ensuring they both took advantage of every available resource, from resume building to setting up LinkedIn accounts.
The sisters’ story is a testament to the power of community and support. Through Stay the Course, they learned valuable skills in time management, financial planning, and career preparation. Their hard work paid off as both are set to attend the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in the fall.
Their younger sister, inspired by Diana and Nadeje’s success, will also be attending TCC in the fall and plans to join Stay the Course, following in her sisters’ footsteps. The sisters’ journey is one of perseverance, unity, and the unwavering support of Catholic Charities Fort Worth, illustrating how hope and hard work can transform lives.
