Commencement 2022: Students from the Democratic Republic of Congo find Opportunity at SLCC

It’s all about opportunity and family for SLCC graduates Fiston Tokenge and Ginette Wathelet from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.“SLCC has a hopeful environment where every student has an opportunity,” said Tokenge. He came to SLCC to pursue an associate degree in criminal justice and felt like he belonged at SLCC right from the start. “At SLCC, they welcome you with both arms and everybody's there to help you succeed,” he said.

Signifying his academic achievement, Tokenge proudly draped his honor braid in criminal justice around his neck and down his graduation gown. Tokenge said he plans to continue his studies in criminal justice at the University of Utah. He advises future SLCC students to figure out what they want to do and “stick with it.”

Fiston Tokenge SLCC Commencement 2022

Ginette Wathelet has similar advice, especially for non-English speaking students wanting to go to college. “Some people are scared of learning the language. It's hard to come to English,” she said. “Keep working on that so hard. I encourage them to don't be scared. Just try, go.” Wathelet plans to enter the workforce and use her associate degree in business.

Ginette Wathelet SLCC Commencement 2022

Celebrating the opportunity they have had to pursue higher education with their immediate families is something that both students were excited about on Commencement Day. Tokenge beamed when asked about the decorative lei around his neck, which he said was made by a friend and given to him by his wife.

Ginette Wathelet, who has been In Utah for 13 years and loves it here, returned to school partly to extend the opportunity of education to her children through example. "I opened the door for my kids. I want them to do more than what I did," said Wathelet. "I'm the first generation from my mom's side to be graduated."

“I want my kids to have a good education—to have this opportunity.

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