Growing up in Kigali, Rwanda, Joanna Isimbi spoke primarily French. When the government announced the official language was changing to English, she had to figure out the best way to learn a new language. Isimbi applied for a scholarship and was able to attend Buena Vista University in Iowa, studying marketing, where she earned her bachelor's degree.
“The only things I knew were ‘hi’ and ‘thank you,’” she says. “The first few years were really tough. But I learned so much — the language but also perseverance.”
Isimbi wanted to continue her education, but sought a change in landscape. She landed at Portland State to earn a Master’s in Business Administration. Even though the program was much shorter than her undergraduate experience, she said the time spent at PSU felt longer than her time in Iowa — in a good way. She immersed herself in the campus community, serving as a senator for the Associated Students of Portland State University and an International Student mentor.
“International students’ voices need to be heard,” she says. “I wanted to be involved so I could do something about several issues that we face.”
After her term as a senator ended, Isimbi worked with the Multicultural Center to organize events and outreach opportunities. One of the events she feels was most impactful was an event focused on accents. Like many international students, she feared speaking up in class because her accent can sometimes be hard to understand.
“I wanted to have an event where we could show students that you can succeed despite having an accent,” she says. “We got students, professionals and professors as panelists to share their experiences. We wanted to show students that they do not need to change their accent, but celebrate their cultural differences and leverage those differences.”
Continuing these events virtually has been a challenge, but she’s hopeful future programming will continue to boost the experience for international students.
Isimbi’s next challenge? Returning home to Rwanda. It’s been three years since she’s been home, and COVID-19 restrictions make the journey a bit of an unknown. But it’s an unknown she’s looking forward to.
What was your journey to PSU?
In 2014 I got a scholarship at this small school called Buena Vista University in Iowa. I didn’t really like Iowa very much so I wanted to move to a bigger city. My best friend lives in Oregon, so I wanted to move to a town where I knew someone. someone. I researched and talked to someone in the School of Business, and I liked her. I also liked how the MBA final project is a consulting capstone project instead of a thesis. I wanted to get experience before I graduated, so I decided to come to PSU.
What is your favorite memory of PSU?
Orientation. When I first got here, I was very excited but also anxious. I didn’t know what to expect. I was stressed wondering if and how I was going to do this. When I left that day, I was full of excitement. It’s interesting how a few hours can give you a different perspective.
What are your goals post-graduation?
I’m going back to Rwanda June 21. I’ve already applied to a couple of jobs; hopefully, I will get interviews and an offer before leaving. I am passionate about marketing, so I’m looking for jobs in that industry. My long-term goal is to open my own business in Rwanda.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to future students?
I would say be open and bold. Try new things, meet new people, don't be afraid to introduce yourself to the stranger next to you. Be open.
What would you like to share about navigating the pandemic while completing your degree?
I'm thrilled that I got to spend my first year in person, because it has to be tough connecting on Zoom. My cohort got closer, so it was easier to transition to Zoom. We knew each other already, we were comfortable interacting virtually.