Student Profile: Crispin Bolese
Public Policy and Management
In 2001, Crispin Bolese and his family emigrated to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo to start a new life. Bolese had been a lecturer in political science at the University of Kisangani in Congo and Independent University of Kigali in Rwanda.
After facing the challenges of a refugee in Atlanta, Bolese "began to be more proactive. [This] attitude… increased my self-esteem, and that enhanced my ability to pursue my goals; all because I started making positive choices." In 2004, this change brought Bolese to Maine and the Muskie School.
"After careful research on many states in New England, I chose Maine," he said. "After taking more ESL classes [and] undergraduate courses, I was finally able to put together a solid plan for graduate school." Bolese is currently enrolled in the School's master's program in public policy and management.
"When I'm in school, I have peace of mind, which is very important to me."
For his course in organizational dynamics with Professor Bruce Clary, Bolese evaluated the People's Regional Opportunity Program (PROP), an organization that was very helpful to him and his family upon their arrival to Maine. In January, as a result of the work he did, PROP elected him to their board of trustees.
Bolese is currently working as a direct support specialist at Goodwill Industries and lives with his wife and four children in Portland. Following his degree, he hopes to continue research and consulting in the public policy field.
The photograph of Bolese as well as excerpts of this profile are reproduced with permission from the People's Regional Opportunity Program. More information about PROP is available on their web site.
