Scholar Story: Didier
Des Moines, IA

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In 2007, Didier Musore immigrated to the United States from Congo with his uncle. His parents had been killed in the war in his country in 1994, when Didier was just four years old. Though adjusting to his new school in Iowa was difficult, Didier was determined to do well.

DidierBesides working full time while attending school, Didier volunteered with Imani Fellowship Church, where he helped other Africans with translation and transportation to medical appointments. He also helped them learn to drive and assisted them with getting their driver’s licenses. Determination and a lot of hard work enabled Didier to graduate in the top 15 percent of his high school class this past spring.

Though he dreamed of going to college, Didier didn’t know if he would be able to afford postsecondary education. Thanks to a $1,000 scholarship from Des Moines Lincoln Alumni Dollars for Scholars, Didier was able to enroll in classes at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa and is on his way to achieving his dream of becoming a computer programmer.

“I would just like to say thank you for your scholarship,” Didier wrote in a letter to the chapter. “Your money helped me to start my college at Indian Hills Community College, and you helped to bring good things in my life.”

Keeping Dreams Alive

VanessaScholarship America's Dreamkeepers program provides emergency financial assistance to students at community colleges across the country who are faced with unexpected financial crises. These awards -- averaging $500 -- often make the difference between staying in school and dropping out.

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