Dedication: I want to give special thanks to my mum for staying strong for us despite all we went through
I am a young woman from Mkoba, a prosaic location in Gweru, Zimbabwe, raised by my resilient siblings and my courageous, ailing single mother—a family whose unwavering strength inspired me to fight for opportunities and strive for more.
Life presented relentless challenges, with financial hardships threatening to derail my education at every turn. Despite the adversity, I persevered and graduated high school with distinctions. However, my journey thereafter was fraught with rejection and disillusionment. Promises of financial support for my education were broken, and the people I had trusted gradually distanced themselves. My applications to local universities were declined, scholarship attempts went unanswered or rejected, and even my bids for nursing programs and apprenticeships were met with silence.
Desperate to find a way forward, I reached out to influential individuals on various platforms, pleading for assistance, only to be met with indifference. As the rejections mounted, so did the sense of isolation, leaving me grappling with feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. For two years, I endured a gap year, working as a babysitter and running a poultry project just to save for my education. During this time, I began to invest my energy in observing how people treated me. I noticed patterns of neglect and dismissal that further fueled my self-doubt. My mental health deteriorated, perpetuating body pains and reinforcing the belief that I was a failure, a burden to everyone, and unworthy of living.
Depression set in as I reflected on my circumstances. I was a rape survivor at the age of four, felt abandoned by those I trusted, and watched friends succeed and distance themselves. At my lowest point, I attempted suicide, feeling my life had no purpose. But in that darkness, I found a spark of hope. I realized that giving up would not change my situation. I remembered Judges 5:7, where the Bible says, “Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose.” That verse spoke to me—I needed to rise and fight for my destiny. Like Jephthah, who declared, “I took my life in my hands because my brothers could not help me,” I resolved to take control of my future.
My mother’s illness became a source of both pain and motivation. Watching her endure the toll of diabetes, chest infections, and high blood pressure was devastating, but it also gave me a clear sense of purpose. Each time I saw her fight through her struggles, I knew I had to fight too—not just for her but for others in my community who faced similar battles without the means or support to overcome them. Her resilience inspired me to dream of a future where I could bring hope and healing to the most underserved, ensuring no one had to suffer silently the way she did. This resolve fueled my passion for medicine and cemented my desire for medical research.
During my two gap years, I didn’t let my circumstances define me. I enrolled in six online UNICEF health courses to grow my knowledge and stayed persistent in my pursuit of funding. Eventually, my hard work paid off—I received the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to study Medical Bioscience at a renowned institution. This program is a stepping stone toward my dream of becoming a doctor. It equips me to research life-threatening diseases and find solutions that will transform healthcare in communities back home.
My journey has taught me the value of compassion and volunteering to help underrepresented groups. I know what it feels like to be the underdressed child in a group, the one without toys, or the student who cannot afford school fees despite excelling academically. That’s why I made it a priority to help others, even with the little I have. One example is a girl in my area who couldn’t continue her education because her single mother couldn’t afford her uniform and shoes. I stepped in and brought her what she needed because I understood her pain and wanted to make a difference in her life.
I believe in alleviating the needs of others, no matter how small the effort may seem. While I may not yet have much, I aim to start a project (Stirring Hope) during my school breaks in which I buy a bale of children’s clothes to donate in underserved rural areas of my country. Alongside these donations, I plan to motivate children with my story, inspiring them to believe in their potential despite their circumstances. This initiative will bring hope to children struggling to access basic necessities. Through this, I also hope to encourage others to give back and rise above their own challenges. Every small act of kindness matters, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.
To those who think their humble beginnings, past traumas, or failures define them, I say this: There is no special reference in the outside world for those with heartbreaking stories or traumas. The world will not adjust interviews or lower expectations to accommodate our pain. We must rise despite it all because life rewards resilience, not excuses. You can rise, not for pity but for purpose. You are stronger than you know, and your perseverance is your greatest testimony. Rape does not define your worth. Coming from a humble home does not limit your future. And being rejected does not mean you won’t be accepted somewhere. Like me, you can rise. Work hard, trust in God’s will, and never give up.
In the end, my legacy will not be about how much I achieve but how many lives I touch. Beyond earthly rewards, I look forward to the heavenly reward that awaits. This journey is about bringing hope to those who have none, showing others that it’s never too late to rise, and inspiring change that lasts for generations.
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Photo credit: Image provided by the storyteller.
