Unconventional Students at Rice Johanna Bangala's journey from the Congo to an engineering degree

Joanna Bangala, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, grew up in Zambia. She pursued a major in Civil and Environmental Engineering while also being an active member of the women's track and field team. Joanna's journey was influenced by her father's dedication to providing the best opportunities for his children, especially considering their origins in a war-prone zone. Bangala says, "This commitment required significant sacrifices from my parents, something I only fully appreciated later in life."
A pivotal moment in her youth was when a teacher recognized Joanna's extraordinary talent, leading to her involvement in the Congo Elite Athletic Squad. This program was designed for students who aspired to exceed the standard physical education requirements, igniting a passion for running. She dreamed of leveraging her athletic skills to fund her education and attend a prestigious school, a goal that inspired her daily.
Eventually, Joanna's aspirations brought her to Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., where she felt right at home and eager to embark on her journey of discovery. She found herself in the heart of the city, attending Rice University, known for its beautiful, walkable campus and scenic surroundings, including a track with the backdrop of the world's largest medical center.
Joanna's journey has been remarkable, filled with hard work, commitment, and the unwavering support of her parents, the Rice community, coaches, teammates, and professors. This collective support system has become a cherished family to her during her time at Rice. Joanna is forever grateful for the sacrifices made by her parents and the encouragement from her community. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, support and dreaming big.

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