Jean-Daniel Liwanga

- December 2023

Jean-Daniel Liwanga and his family moved to Portland, Maine from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2014. “Ever since being here we’ve been welcomed by the community and just everyone; it’s been a great place to live.” Overcoming the language and cultural barriers was made easier by the Boys and Girls Club, where, “there were a lot of immigrants just like us from Congo, South Africa, Angola, Sudanese people, really an interesting mixing pot, just seeing all these different people made us feel more welcome.” There was also the hospitality extended by neighbors: “We used to get invited to many of these different Maine families that just wanted to know who we are.” When it came time for college, Jean-Daniel admits he wanted to move away, but a full scholarship to USM was too good to resist: “Staying around family is good; going to free college is good; staying home and eating mom’s cooking was even better!” Currently studying computer science, he plans to become a software engineer, and perhaps start his own business here in Maine, close to family and community. “I know opportunities are rising and will come. My advice would definitely be, be open to meeting new people. It’s a beautiful thing when you start experiencing different groups’ cultures and learning the way that they do life, and how they’re traversing this earth.”