My name is Musa Bamba and I was born in Congo in 1995 then fled to Tanzania during the war of 1997. My grandparents migrated from Burundi to Katanga Village, Congo in 1972 due to war complications. I lived in a refugee camp for 11 years before I was granted the opportunity to come to the land of the free where dreams come true. A place that I can hope and guarantee to see myself live without having to have the mind set of ‘I just need to survive’ or ‘only if I can make it to 40 years old’. Additionally, living in the United States have been greatly fantastic but it never have always been easy; especially for two parents that are trying to raise and support 9 kids while working for less than 9 dollars per hour. Finance situations become too common for us, we grew up knowing where we stand financially; so asking our parents for shoes, clothes or anything was prohibited. My sisters and big brother had to work part time jobs after school so they can afford to buy at least soap, lotion, and clothes. My brothers and I would do some yard works for our neighbors on Saturdays just to own a little money to buy shoes, toothpaste etc. Finance problems have been hard until today, that it interfered our academic status. Out of 9 kids 4 have dropped out working full time jobs, while 5 others continuing including me. Unfortunately, all of those 4 have moved out and started their own lives and family. So financial difficulties still exists that I had to get a full time job to support my parents and also still take online classes. My future career goals are to become a software engineer, and some days to create my own software. However, I am really thankful that I am where I am today because is unbelievable that I am that one kid who was born and raised in the village and still managing. After all, while attending TCC, I managed to work a full time job, went to a trade school(RRCF school) and became a certified Audio engineer. I am working in an Audio and Video company, and also on top of that I am a Musician (Moss Kiny). I consider all these as my personal achievements, and I learned to never give up and my parents are the example of it all. My journey have been so long and with so many obstacles but everyday I fight the mental altitude and determine to win. With little that I have and I’ve achieved I will always yield and give back. In June of 2019 I voluntarily chose to challenge myself in helping orphanage, elderly, and handicaps homes by sending at least 150 every 2 weeks for 3 months in Burundi. And now I am forming an Organization that will be based on helping kids in the streets, buying school supplies, pay hospital bills for patients etc in Burundi. Furthermore, I've formed an organization is called "Beauty Out of Dust" and for now I am working on registering the organization (Visit: Bod11.org). Finally, once Michele Jordan said “ One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity”. I’ve been desiring, wanting, and needing to fully pursue my education since I graduated High school in 2013. walking to school in rainy, hot and cold days. Financial status have always been my set back, but I believe one day it will be okay. Receiving this scholarship will be a relief and really supportive to my career