Jenovie Tshibumba came to Jackson College to pursue a career in Nursing. Her calling has always been in healthcare. 

“Ever since I was a kid, we had a family doctor that would come over and I would just sit there and watch whatever he was doing and that’s when I knew I wanted to be in healthcare,” she said. “I love taking care of others. I love the thought of everybody just coming out of the hospital feeling great. It’s just a great feeling to me.” 

That dream came with a sacrifice. In January 2023, Jenovie left her home country in the Democratic Republic of Congo and traveled nearly 7,000 miles to the United States to begin a new chapter.  

“It was just very overwhelming because of the thought of leaving home and coming to a whole new culture experience and life. It was very stressful too but it was good,” she said.  

Moving to Michigan meant she could be close to her sister who encouraged her to attend Jackson College. 

“She said, ‘you’re not going to be disappointed,’ and obviously I’m not,” she said.  

Still, it wasn’t easy. Jenovie comes from a large family of 13 siblings spread across the globe. Though they stay connected through weekly phone calls and family group chats, being away from home has been one of the hardest parts of her journey. 

“It’s been stressful and very overwhelming,” she said. “I know that the support is virtual but it’s better if it’s in person. Just the thought of being alone and going through all of this sometimes takes a toll on my mind and my overall, everyday life.” 

There were moments when she questioned whether she could continue.  

“It was hard to adjust. I really wanted to go home. I was like, ‘I don’t know. I don’t think I can do this,” 

But the support system she found at Jackson College, from faculty to staff and fellow students, helped her feel at home.  

“I started to just started to get into the flow and it’s been lovely. Everybody is just amazing,” she said. “Ariel Maturine has been great, Maddy Woods, Brooke in the testing lab she’s been amazing. Sandy who has retired also has been amazing. Some of my peers and my international student sister, Minato has been a support for me.” 

Perseverance and determination earned Jenovie one of Jackson College’s highest honors: the 2026 George E. Potter Outstanding Student Award . 

“It’s an honor and it’s privilege to be able to be recognized for all the efforts and sacrifices as well to keep going,” she said. 

Jenovie plans to graduate in Fall 2026. She plans to eventually return to Congo but wants to spend time giving back to the Jackson community that helped shape her. 

“I want to serve Jackson and work for a while before I go home and contribute to my country and my community. I love it here. I don’t want to be in the rush to go yet,” she said. “Home is home at the end of the day. My family, friends, everything, the food…I just miss home and I would be able to navigate better so that’s what’s drawing me back.”  

No matter where her future may lead, Jenovie says Jackson College will always be part of her story. 

“Jackson College has brought so much growth in me personally because of the community,” she said. “Everybody has been so amazing to me, and I’m so grateful. It’s been a very long journey, a lonely one too, but it’s been worth it. I would do it all over again.”