MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo received her degree in civil engineering Sunday from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.

Giselle Irankunda arrived in the United States seven years ago knowing little English and hoping for a new start.

“I always wanted more of schooling, but I felt like college was way out of my league,” she said.

Irankunda came to Milwaukee as a refugee with her parents and nine younger siblings.

“I had to grow up very quickly for my siblings,” she said.

She quickly began her third year of high school in a new country and with no one to show her the way. However, a passion for education and unwavering determination led her to UWM. She worked a job while taking her classes, so she could support her younger siblings. Her goal: a degree in civil engineering.

“I kind of always had my hometown in the back of my head, and think about what I could do as a person one day,” Irankunda said.

After five years of studying, she received her degree Sunday. She said she owes it to her parents, who have always valued education.

“Even during wartime back in my country, my parents made sure that we were always enrolled in school,” she said.

Irankunda plans to work for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.