When you fall, you can always stand up and do it again and again and again until you make it. That is what perseverance means to Jolly Karungi, a recent graduate of the David Eccles School of Business and Eccles student of the year in 2020.

During her time at the Eccles school, she participated in the Business Scholars and First Ascent programs in addition to a variety of other student organizations on campus. She graduated with a major in Information Systems.

Jolly was born in the Republic of Congo and lived in a refugee camp in Uganda for several years before coming to Utah. 

She shares the struggles she had to endure living in different environments and the difficulties navigating systems without knowing how to speak the language. However, her passion for learning and adapting together with perseverance helped her overcome the challenges.

Jolly also tells her plans after graduation, her future goals, and what excites her the most in going back home where her family is. 

Episode Quotes: 

Jolly's definition of perseverance

"If you have a passion, you need to do something; you do not give up. It's tough. It's not easy. So, for me, it's doing things no matter how hard they are and not giving up. It doesn't matter how many times you fall. You can always stand up and do it again and fall again and do it again until you can do it."

Why it's helpful to lean on people and ask for help when needed

"I realized that there are people who are willing to help, as long as you ask. People won't just help you because they don't know if you need help or not. Not everyone will be able to help you, but they will refer you to someone who will help you. So, leaning on people and asking for help, that's what got me through."

What motivated her to go to school and continue learning even though it's hard

"I just loved learning. I knew if I was not in a class, I was not learning. It's true I was not learning at all even when I was there, but just going there every single day, it's a process of me to learn how to learn. It's better just staying home and sleeping, but how would that help you? So, just being there and having the passion of learning and achieving something. Things will not find you sitting. You have to keep looking for them."

Jolly's advice for people who are also struggling to navigate new systems

"I would say just go for it, do something that you love. I know sometimes people want to satisfy their family or their parents. They tell them to do this, but they want to do that. Just be honest with yourself and do something that you like.

Also, the struggle is real. You're not alone. It's real for everyone. I'm not going to tell you it's perfect. So, you're going to struggle but also remember there's support. Don't struggle alone. So many people are willing to help you out, standing on your side even though you can't see them. They are always there. Just go ahead and ask for help or reach out to people in the school and the community."

Show Links:

• LinkedIn
• Business Scholars Program
• First Ascent Scholars Program
• Cotopaxi Foundation