At eighteen years old, how are you supposed to know what you want to do for a career? At Gateway High School I heard a student stand up and mention they were thinking of either being a helicopter pilot or computer programmer, two very different paths that determine whether or not you are happy with your job.

Marian Aden, a student at Gateway High School, wrote this blog regarding her career options as she approaches graduation in May.

Since grade school, I have been contemplating three different jobs. The first one is to become a Registered Nurse. I always wanted to be part of a medical team helping to heal people. I want to be a caregiver who really cares. I am not choosing this career for the money, but for the joy it can bring me. Currently, I am already on that path and I am truly happy about it. My next dream job is to become an historian, decided after eighth grade when I fell in love with the history books and documentaries about the past. My goal is to pursue an education in history after completing my nursing degree. My third and final dream job is writing. I love to write about anything, especially when I write on my own without instructions. It’s not too late for me to become a journalist, so I would like to explore that career path before giving it up. If I ever became a journalist, I would be the “CRIME SCENE” reporter. But most importantly, I would be pleased with whichever one of those careers will put a smile to my face every morning.

Aline Sibomana, a senior at Gateway High School, shares her her story of how her family pursued a better life in America. 

Let me tell you about my family; my mom’s name is Felisita Manilakiza and my dad’s name is Mathias Musengesenge. Our family came to the United States due to the genocide that was going on in Rwanda which spread to our native home of Burundi . Our family was deeply affected because my mom and dad come from the two tribes that were fighting, making us mixed kids. As such, it was very unsafe for my brothers and sisters and me. My parents have been blessed with nine lovely angels, our names: are Leonard, Oswald, Meresiana, Aline, Japhet, Terasi, Edisa, Eddie and, last but least, Jessica. As you can imagine, it hasn’t always been rainbows and butterflies for our family but God always made sure that everything was okay for us; he always sent angels to watch over us. When I was younger we lived in Burundi , in this beautiful home, until the war started. When the war started we had to move to a refugee camp in Tanzania where we stayed for about 5 years. My parents have always loved us and wanted the best for all of us and when my dad heard about an opportunity to give us a better future, there was no way that my dad was going to let that pass him. After a long process, we finally made it to the land of the free; the United State s was a new start for our family. When we first arrived, it was very difficult for my parents to adjust to all the changes in this new place. With us being new here, all we wanted to do was find a place to call home. We first lived in a two bedroom apartment. But, as you can imagine with eleven people in such a small place, it was very stressful for all of us. Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that we weren’t happy to have a place to stay; we were, but we needed a home. After the apartment, we moved to a four bedroom HUD house. We were very comfortable, but this house was still not our own. Ever since we arrived in the United States, my parents have been looking for a place we can call our own. When Habitat for Humanity came to our house and told us that they could build us a home, my mom cried, not the usual tears of worries, this time they were tears of hope, happiness, and joy. We were all so happy and grateful. I started to thank God for sending more angels into our lives. So thank you very much for making our dreams come true and for helping all of us get a better future. There is no greater gift in the world that someone could have given to all of us. Thank you is not enough to express how we all appreciate the love and kindness that everyone has shown to our family.  My family means the world to me and anyone who helps them will always be a part of my heart. West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store and Habitat for Humanity will always be in my heart.  I love you all for your help and support and God knows we strongly appreciate the love you all have given us. Thank you.