The outlook of Garden Spot High School (GSHS) senior Iyamuremye Habarurenye has been shaped by his family's decision to emigrate from Uganda to the United States. "If you look objectively, there is much (we) can achieve if (we) start with principles," he said. "There are opportunities (here) to get education and nutrition. There are ways to transform and make a difference in the society you live in." Habarurenye noted that he often asks himself, "What can I do to be a positive influence in society?"

Habarurenye began life in Uganda in 2003. His father's decision to take his family to America took four years to become reality. "We came here in 2018, but the immigration process started in about 2014," he explained, noting that Church World Service connected his family to resources that helped the newcomers find shelter and other necessities. Petra Church aided the family with rent in the New Holland area. Habarurenye became an eighth-grade student at Garden Spot Middle School in the spring of 2018. His family in New Holland is made up of his parents and two sisters. Habarurenye's father works at a local food production facility. Habarurenye works there as well and also at a fast-food establishment in addition to attending school. Habarurenye and his family had the advantage of speaking English before moving here. "My country was colonized by Great Britain," Habarurenye explained, noting the English he learned is different from American English. "Once you're in primary one (first grade), they start teaching you English and how to write (it)."

In Uganda, the family lived in the village of Mukarange in the subcounty of Kyangwali in the Hoima District. Habarurenye recalls that life there was not easy. "In Uganda, I could accomplish all my studies and (graduate) and not have a job. The unemployment rate is so high," he said. He added that health care services could use improvement. "My country loses more than 20 women a day giving birth due to poor medical facilities," he said, adding, "My dad did not want to leave Uganda to go abroad, but he decided for the future of the family and his children we should start the process."

Habarurenye enjoys his classes at GSHS. He mentioned that he especially likes studying history, but also environmental science, chemistry, algebra, and English. After graduating, he is considering attending Millersville University to study criminal justice and maybe later become a lawyer. "As a lawyer, I can advocate for things that need to be changed," he said, noting that it is important to him to contribute to society.

Habarurenye's cultural experience has caused him to think deeply about the outlook of his generation. "I feel we need to come to a realization that ... if you see someone struggling, you just can't say, 'That's none of my concern,'" he said. "If we have a mentality of trying to help one another, we will be in a better place." Habarurenye added that young people are the future of the country. "I want to encourage young people to get involved in leadership," he said. "It's important to find our mission. A generation that doesn't have a mission is a failed one."