An African student in search of the ‘American Dream’

McKENZIE —  The quiet charm of McKenzie, Tennessee, might seem a world away from the bustling energy of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet, for Prunelle Musumba Beya, an international student at Bethel University, this transatlantic journey has been a profound exploration of discovery, cultural adaptation, and personal growth. Arriving in the United States in 2023 with aspirations of realizing the “American Dream” - a vision often shaped by movies and fueled by a Renaissance scholarship - Prunelle has navigated the complexities of a new continent, encountered unexpected cultural shocks, and discovered a sense of belonging in a place she once considered far away.

Kinshasa, Prunelle’s vibrant hometown situated along the Congo River, offered a dynamic introduction to life. “It’s very crowded, but it’s a small city at the same time,” she explains. When she imagines introducing an American friend to her home, her thoughts naturally turn to a local resort that showcases Congolese nature and adventure, complete with safaris, waterparks and ziplining.

The transition to the United States, however, presented its own unique blend of challenges and excitements. “My dream was to come to the United States,” Prunelle shares. “I’ve seen it in movies, in videos. So it’s like a dream coming true for me.” The “American dream,” a concept deeply ingrained through the media, began to feel sensible upon her arrival.

Fortunately, Prunelle wasn’t entirely alone in this new chapter. Her sister, who had been in the U.S. for seven years and was a Bethel University alumna, provided crucial family support. This connection eased her adaptation, allowing her to focus on her studies and a passion that has followed her from Kinshasa: singing. Prunelle was a dedicated member of her church choir for six years back home, a tradition deeply woven into her family. The opportunity to join the Bethel University choir, facilitated by her Renaissance scholarship, felt like a happy coincidence, allowing her to merge her love for singing with her academic pursuits. “Singing has always been part of me,” she states.

Her initial impressions of McKenzie and Bethel University brought a mix of delightful surprises. While she had mentally prepared for a smaller environment than her home metropolis, the town’s scale still represented a significant shift. “I think everything I was seeing in the movies, I started seeing it here,” she recalls, particularly charmed by glimpses of “cowboy” culture and a traditional bonfire event during homecoming. These seemingly small details, reminiscent of American cinema, fostered a surprising sense of familiarity and welcome.

However, the cultural shifts were quite pronounced. The relaxed dress code at university, where students attended classes in pajamas, was a huge change in contrast to the formal school uniforms of her home country. “When I saw pajamas in class, I was like, oh, okay. I did not know it was that level,” she remarks with a laugh. This casualness extended to other aspects, like the surprisingly pleasant gesture of doors being constantly held open for others, and the ubiquitous presence of hamburgers and fries. While initially exciting, later it eventually presented a consistent dietary challenge.

Stereotypes have also been a recurring encounter for Prunelle. She often fields questions about the common, and often inaccurate, perception that “animals are walking around in the street” in Africa. Rather than taking offense, she chooses to educate, preferring a proactive approach over just feeling insulted.

The demanding schedule of American university life, especially when balancing academics, work, and extracurriculars, proved to be a significant adjustment. The Renaissance scholarship, which supported her first two years, included daily choir practices and travel for performances. This, combined with her work in the campus cafeteria and her studies, became overwhelming. “It was really busy for me, and I couldn’t… I had to drop something to adjust,” she explains. She ultimately chose to step away from the choir to find a better balance, a decision she misses but understands.

Despite these challenges, Prunelle’s journey has undeniably shaped her. “The mentality, like how people think over here is really different from how people think back home,” she observes. The open-mindedness she has cultivated in the U.S. contrasts with what she describes as a more “close-minded” environment back home. She believes this personal growth has been transformative, particularly in her ability to listen more and judge less - a conscious effort to overcome ingrained habits. She also notes physical changes, including a newfound dedication to working out, a practice not common for her back home.

Looking ahead, Prunelle aspires to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo to invest in agriculture, recognizing the country’s rich soil and vast potential. Her goal is to elevate her family’s farm and contribute to the nation’s development. “At the end of the day, you want to go home,” she states, emphasizing a deep sense of connection to her roots.

“Discovery, growth, fun, open mindset, and experience” is Prunelle’s summary of her experience in five words. She believes the American dream, characterized by “money, growth, freedom, and being able to do whatever you want,” is still reachable, and she is actively pursuing it. Her advice to her 17-year-old self, standing on the precipice of this adventure, is simple yet profound: “It’s okay to say no.” This lesson, learned through experience, highlights the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being and academic goals among the charm of new experiences. Prunelle Musumba Beya’s story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing the unknown and the resilience of the human spirit!

About the author: Artem Dzun is an international student from Russia at Bethel University. He graduated in May 2026 and plans to return to his home country.