Student Spotlight: Merveille Muyizere, Junior, Batavia High School
by Alexa Andrews, Batavia High School senior/BPS101 Communications Dept. intern
Merveille Muyizere is a Batavia High School junior from Brazzaville, the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is located in Central Africa.
Merveille Muyizere, junior, Batavia High School
“It is just a country where everyone is sociable and lives their life with a satisfaction of what they have,” said Merveille about her native land.
This is Merveille’s first time in the United States. She has lived here for three and a half years, along with her mother and two siblings. She is planning to stay here to get a medical degree and, within that time, travel a lot.
“I am planning to be an adventist missionary doctor, going to long-term missions and healing people,” she explained. “I want to volunteer in Asian and African countries.”
I had so many questions for Merveille, because it is so interesting to see what other students have experienced and have planned for their lives.
Was this your first time traveling outside of your country?
Yes. It was kind of nice to discover and try to live a new kind of lifestyle.
What are some differences between your home school and Batavia High School?
There are a lot of differences. For example, I never went to school in Africa with a person who is differently colored than me. The schedule is very different. In Africa, we have two groups, one that goes from 7:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the other that goes from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is no cafeteria, no library, no counselors, no gym. Gym is done at the military ground about 20 minutes away from school and two times a week. The size of my school in Africa is less than a football field.
Was there a big change in what you ate when you came to Batavia? Most importantly, have you been to Portillos?!
There are a lot of differences, but I haven’t really tried the foods from here since I mostly eat breakfast and dinner at home.
Have you been out of Illinois? Have you been to Chicago?
I have been in Kansas and Colorado. I also went to Chicago for a doctor’s appointment. I don’t really want to go live in Chicago or go to school there, for I am so scared of tall buildings.
On a scale of one to 10, how would you rate America?
It depends on which qualities I am rating. I would rate America an eight for best opportunity country—financially, and economically (rich, school, work, students, jobs). In other qualities, it can’t really be compared to my country.
What do you like most about Batavia?
It is a very quiet place and it is filled with people nice enough to satisfy your needs.
Did you know any English when you came to America?
I didn’t know any English when I came here. I learned it at school and by having conversation with my cousins who know how to only speak English.
What is your native language?
My native language is French, and I know other two languages, Lingala and Kinyarwanda.
How do you like Chicago weather?
It is very chill, and I am really sensitive when it gets cold so I don’t like cold weather. My favorite weather is spring when all the flowers are blooming.
Do you know where you would like to study after high school?
I would like to go to Northern Illinois University for my undergraduate studies. For medical school, maybe, Loma Linda Medical School.
