Student Stories

Giving Back and Paying Forward Important to Grateful Student

Kamuskay '27, a communications and political science major from Sierra Leone, West Africa, is not only a student at Berea College, but he is also a donor. He is a Berea Patron club member with a genuine desire to give back and to pay forward the educational opportunities he is receiving. Berea Patron members are students who support the work of Berea College through one-time gifts or through each Labor Program stipend. Since the program's inception in 2013 Berea students have collectively raised more than $212,000.

A member of the Student Philanthropy Committee, Kamuskay also promotes philanthropy through education, with a goal of creating a culture of giving back to Berea and ultimately providing future Bereans with an invaluable, life-changing education. Kamuskay has immense gratitude and profound appreciation for the extraordinary generosity and relentless support donors have extended.

He wondered,"How could I possibly give back to a community that has given me so much?"Kamuskay said, "My story, filled with struggle and loss, is likely not unique. There are countless others out there, yearning for an education but trapped by circumstance. I found the Berea Patrons, and a sense of purpose washed over me."

Kamuskay grew up in a post-war environment where a path forward was difficult to attain. He also faced a heartbreaking loss when his father, the family's sole provider, passed away. He was not sure what educational opportunities would be available to him, but knew he wanted to contribute to growth in his community. He felt that he could obtain additional education and help his community after his attendance at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg during his high school years.

"I am hungry for learning," said Kamuskay. He became aware of Berea College and its offerings through friends and his own research. His bond with Berea deepened as he learned about its history as the first co-educational, interracial college in the southern U.S. and its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The promise of no tuition and a world of opportunities drew him in, making it his perfect place for higher education.

There's "lots of academic work and assignments," said Kamuskay. He attributes a great professor and the drive to keep pushing through challenges as a pathway to success. Math is not a preferred subject, but after collaborating with his professor, "I love to go to the classroom," said Kamuskay. "I spent two hours every single day after math class getting extra lessons and getting things right."

The first in his family to go to college, Kamuskay is the youngest in his family. He has two brothers and one sister who have always been a source of guidance and support. He considers his mother to be a superhero and a great example. "Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I could be tired; I could be frustrated with everything, but I just see what this woman did with little or no support," said Kamuskay. "I have so much. What am I waiting for? Why can't I do this?" He said his mom's example is one of his greatest motivators.

When asked what the future holds for him after he earns a degree from Berea College he says, "The world." He said, "Berea College has become more than just an institution of learning; it is a home where I have flourished, grown, and discovered my true potential, all thanks to generosity."

To donors Kamuskay says, "You're investing not only in people's lives, but also, in cultures, traditions and the betterment of every aspect of human development. We're so diverse that we're being trained to be global citizens and ethical leaders who will not only serve ourselves but also our community and the people who need us."