“I’m not letting my past define my future”
Originally from Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa, Musu D. arrived in the United States at 10 years old, not knowing she was leaving her country until she was brought to the airport. Having no memorable relationship with her mother, she left West Africa alone, traveling with a group of children who all spoke different languages. Upon arrival in the United States, she met her father and three brothers for the first time. Musu felt foreign to the country, unfamiliar with the language, her “new” family, peers, and schooling experience.
Within one year, Musu developed her English language skills and quickly assimilated to many American traditions, but adjusting to the culture still had its challenges. Cultural differences, including value of females, discipline practices, and communication, caused unique confrontations in school and at home.
While she experienced bullying throughout middle school and often felt alone, she met a friend after entering high school who helped her venture out of her comfort zone and develop her true self. This friend eventually introduced her to Girls Inc.’s Bold Futures Leadership (BFL) program. Since participating in BFL, Musu has gained self-confidence and learned how to advocate for herself in healthy ways. She developed a mentoring relationship with her BFL Facilitator, who helped her see life and relationships with a positive perspective, reflect on negative behaviors, and set goals for herself. College was not in her plan prior to participating at Girls Inc., but she now credits her mentorship for her newfound academic ambitions. Experiences within the BFL program, such as a field trip to Eastern CT State University, allowed her to envision post-secondary opportunities, which she describes as “life-changing.”
Previously having little desire to challenge herself, improve her work ethic, or advocate for things that were important to her, Musu became actively involved in extracurricular activities throughout high school, including sports, debate team, and violin, all while maintaining her grades. As a BFL participant, she volunteered for community service projects such as various community tabling events, the Special Olympics, and “Feed the Need” (where she helped distribute meals to individuals experiencing homelessness). Now a high school graduate and college student, she has become a staff mentor herself as Strong, Smart, and Bold Summer Camp Counselor, a role which also allowed her to put money toward her college experience and her goal of buying her first car.
In March 2024, Musu had the opportunity to be a representative of our affiliate speaking at the Girls Inc. National Luncheon in New York, introducing keynote speaker, Ndidi Massay (Vice President of Workplace Culture and Diversity Initiatives with CBS Sports). In her remarks, she touched on some of her life experiences before her involvement at Girls Inc., explained how it gave her a safe space to grow stronger, smarter, and bolder, and offered appreciation for Massay’s shared values and efforts to empower those in her circle of influence.