A City That Became Home

Choosing a university is a curious process. You spend months imagining a future somewhere you’ve never lived, guided by photographs, rankings, and the experiences of others.

UCalgary caught my attention because of its academic reputation. Calgary’s cultural diversity and reputation as one of Canada’s sunniest cities appealed to me too, although I soon learned that Canadian sunshine and Canadian warmth are two very different things!

Moving thousands of kilometres from home was daunting. Fortunately, orientation introduced me to students from around the world, including fellow Zimbabweans. Residence life brought spontaneous outings and friendships that made an unfamiliar city feel like home.

An Education That Leaves Room for Curiosity

I’ve always had varied interests, from creative arts and marketing to entrepreneurship and technology. I wanted a degree that would allow those interests to coexist rather than force me to choose between them.

I found that freedom in business, a field broad enough to accommodate my curiosity and practical enough to challenge it.

At the Haskayne School of Business, I’ve enjoyed learning from knowledgeable professors and engaging with industry professionals. In Entrepreneurship 317, my group developed a business concept and pitched it to professionals. Turning an idea into a convincing proposal required creativity and practical analysis, two things I discovered I enjoyed bringing together. Experiences like this helped guide me toward Business Technology Management.

More Than Just a Student

One of my most rewarding discoveries has been how much life can unfold alongside your studies.

UCalgary’s diverse community offers opportunities to find your people, celebrate your culture, and get involved. From Black student organizations to cultural clubs and volunteering, there are many ways to connect. In my second year, I served as Vice President of Events for the inaugural Southern African Students Association executive team, helping create spaces for students to celebrate their heritage.

Beyond campus, my involvement with Off the Grid Youth has allowed me to contribute to community initiatives and meet people from different walks of life.

Returning to Where It All Began

Two years after leaving Harare, I found myself back where my journey began, representing the university I had once known only through photographs and a website.

One of the most meaningful experiences of my university journey was being invited by UCalgary to return to Zimbabwe and share my experiences with prospective students. I had once been the student searching for answers about life abroad; now I could offer those answers from experience. Listening to their questions reminded me of how far I’d come, and I felt incredibly grateful to the university for giving me the opportunity to share that journey with others.

And now, having had the opportunity to share my story with prospective students in Zimbabwe, I’m delighted to share it with you. Whether you’re preparing to begin your own journey at UCalgary or simply wondering what life here might hold, I hope my experiences encourage you to look beyond the degree you’re coming to pursue and embrace everything else that awaits you here.

I once stood where you are now, wondering what the future might bring. I look forward to welcoming you to a place that has given me so much more than I came looking for.