Spring Break
Sudanese refugee makes new life at SJSU
Eric Zimmerling
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: News
Jongkuch said the US government would provide food stamps, free medical benefits and rent money for his first four months in the United States ¬- after that he was on his own.
"It was really hard," Jongkuch said. "You come here and you don't know the language or the culture, and you're expected to get a job and support yourself in four months."
Even with the strict regulations, Jongkuch said it was a decision that was very easy to make.
Jongkuch said he arrived in San Jose in 2001 with three other refugees of Sudan that were living in Kenya. Jongkuch found a job at Pottery Barn Kids after a couple months and a few months later starting working the graveyard shift at a security company.
Jongkuch said he was able to attend De Anza College in Cupertino with the help of financial aid where he graduated with an associate degree in 2005. Later that year, Jongkuch said he became a Spartan at SJSU where he majors in health science.
Jongkuch said he wanted to major in health science because he could help a lot of people.
"In my mind, when I was younger I knew I wanted to work with people and patients in hospitals," Jongkuch said. "I want to inform people on how to stay healthy. I saw so many people die because they did not know how to help themselves through medicine and other ways. I learned a lot of survival techniques along the way that I can help teach others."
Last year, while attending SJSU, Jongkuch spoke with several professors and classes in the health science department and was able to raise more than $4,000. Jongkuch said he used the money to purchase a grinding mill for his family and others in his village in Sudan.
Michael Wright, senior health science major, said Jongkuch's story impacted him.
"The man is incredible," Wright said. "He came to our class and told his story last semester and it is something that sounds like a movie ¬- it didn't sound real. I was happy to help him and his family in any way I could so I gave a small donation."
"It was really hard," Jongkuch said. "You come here and you don't know the language or the culture, and you're expected to get a job and support yourself in four months."
Even with the strict regulations, Jongkuch said it was a decision that was very easy to make.
Jongkuch said he arrived in San Jose in 2001 with three other refugees of Sudan that were living in Kenya. Jongkuch found a job at Pottery Barn Kids after a couple months and a few months later starting working the graveyard shift at a security company.
Jongkuch said he was able to attend De Anza College in Cupertino with the help of financial aid where he graduated with an associate degree in 2005. Later that year, Jongkuch said he became a Spartan at SJSU where he majors in health science.
Jongkuch said he wanted to major in health science because he could help a lot of people.
"In my mind, when I was younger I knew I wanted to work with people and patients in hospitals," Jongkuch said. "I want to inform people on how to stay healthy. I saw so many people die because they did not know how to help themselves through medicine and other ways. I learned a lot of survival techniques along the way that I can help teach others."
Last year, while attending SJSU, Jongkuch spoke with several professors and classes in the health science department and was able to raise more than $4,000. Jongkuch said he used the money to purchase a grinding mill for his family and others in his village in Sudan.
Michael Wright, senior health science major, said Jongkuch's story impacted him.
"The man is incredible," Wright said. "He came to our class and told his story last semester and it is something that sounds like a movie ¬- it didn't sound real. I was happy to help him and his family in any way I could so I gave a small donation."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Julie Sparks
posted 2/16/07 @ 11:56 AM EST
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your compelling article about Deng Jongkuch. It was an extremely engaging and inspiring human interest story, but more importantly, the article should bring this serious issue of the genocide in Darfur to a new audience. (Continued…)
Kola Boof
posted 3/21/07 @ 12:25 AM EST
Oyeeeee! Oyeeeeee! This message is from Kola Boof to my handsome young brother, Deng Jongkuch--I AM PROUD OF YOU, KING!!!! You are doing good works, you are standing tall and strong, you are moving forward and keeping hope alive for the lost path of the Cattlemen. (Continued…)
Nick Soriano
posted 3/22/07 @ 4:29 PM EST
I am proud to know Deng and honored to be friends with him. He is one of the most friendly and kind people i have ever met. Deng's life story is an inspiration to all those dealt with bad cards in life and motivation to strive for better and stick with your education. (Continued…)
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