by Madison Dors, Student Public Relations Writer
For many people, a hospital is a place of healing and safety. But for countless families who survived ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hospitals can also carry memories of fear and uncertainty. Many families avoided hospitals altogether, unsure if they could trust the people responsible for their care.
A Childhood Shaped by Displacement and Hope
Grace Uwahiriwe knows that reality through her own family’s story. Born in a refugee camp in Bujumbura, Burundi, Uwahiriwe was born shortly after her parents escaped the Democratic Republic of the Congo during waves of ethnic violence targeting the Tutsi ethnic group. What began as her family’s story of displacement and survival would eventually shape her calling to help others find hope and healing.
Pursuing Pharmacy With a Purpose
Now a freshman at Cedarville University majoring in pharmacy, Uwahiriwe has a goal of earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Cedarville and then returning to serve people in the places meant to heal them.
"Pharmacy is more than a career for me,” said Uwahiriwe. “It's a way to serve my community and, one day, to be part of creating a safe place where people can receive care without fear.”
Life Inside a Refugee Camp
Growing up in a refugee camp, Uwahiriwe often faced food shortages, limited freedom and constant uncertainty about the future.
“My parents raised me in a Christian home, and my dad always taught us to find joy in Christ, even in suffering,” said Uwahiriwe. “We didn't return hate with hate. Instead, we tried to understand that people act out of their own struggles. That perspective helped me hold on to peace and not lose hope.”
Adjusting to Life in the United States
When Uwahiriwe came to the United States in 2021, she did not know enough English to greet someone, much less carry conversations in her public high school. Her new peers and teachers did not seem interested in getting to know her or asking about how she was adjusting, a feeling of being unseen she was accustomed to from the Congo.
Uwahiriwe pushed herself to study hard and learn English. Her interest in the medical field grew, and she began exploring career options. When she discovered pharmacy, she realized how it could allow her to offer health care and hope to her community back home.
“In healthcare, I want to reflect Christ by showing compassion to everyone, regardless of their background,” said Uwahiriwe. “I want people to feel seen and cared for not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well.”
Finding Community at Cedarville University
Uwahiriwe said coming to Cedarville University offered her the Christlike community and friendships she always desired but never experienced.
“Coming to Cedarville University was the first time I experienced genuine, consistent kindness from people outside my family,” said Uwahiriwe. “At first, I was surprised and kept wondering why people were so kind. I soon realized that their kindness was genuine. I found a strong Christian community and built friendships that feel like family.”
Preparing to Serve the Congo Through Health Care
She also found a way to serve her community back home once she graduates.
“My education is not just for me; it’s for something bigger,” said Uwahiriwe. “I strive to succeed so that I can one day give back and be a part of the solution.”
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
