I recall bidding farewell to my parents at Robert Mugabe International Airport, feeling a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, sadness—but above all, anticipation. In that moment, I realized just how much I was leaving behind: the familiar streets of Rusape, the warmth of home, and the deep ties to my people. Yet, the opportunity to pursue an education in the U.S. was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, one that I had to embrace with open arms.
The flights from Zimbabwe to South Africa and then to the U.K. were smooth, offering brief moments of relief on layovers before I boarded yet another flight that brought me one step closer to my final destination. I had never imagined how vast and complicated the world outside of Zimbabwe could be. What was supposed to be a 39-hour journey turned into a grueling 48-hour odyssey—as my connection in Colorado was delayed by 9 hours which was a true test of both physical endurance and mental resilience. I finally arrived in California at three in the morning and I was met by something unexpected: my Dean of International Students. It was a surreal moment, one I’ll never forget.
Adjusting to life in California was challenging at first. There were moments when I felt like an outsider—when I couldn’t relate to the small talk that others had so easily, or when I realized that certain aspects of American culture were entirely foreign to me. However, over time, I found a sense of belonging in the spaces where diversity was celebrated, and I realized that my African heritage was a unique strength in these environments.
As I navigated my way through college, I became more involved in extracurricular activities. One of the most impactful experiences I have had was joining The Student Life (TSL), the oldest student newspaper at the Claremont Consortium and in Southern California, as their diversity editor. I was also privileged to be offered a Research Assistant position by my psychology professor—thanks to the USAP Community School research methods and capstone classes, which honed my love for research. As a result of my passion for African politics, I was fortunate enough to be awarded a World Podcast Fellowship by CMC’s Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies, where I am working on three podcast series focused on Southern African politics. Through the podcasts, I have had the chance to collaborate with African scholars and experts. More importantly, this platform has allowed me to be a part of the conversation surrounding Africa’s development and to challenge Western-centric narratives about the continent.
For my fellow and future USAPers, I would say this: embrace the challenges ahead, be open to learning, and never forget where you come from. Your story, your heritage, and your voice matter. And in the end, they’ll make all the difference.
Roystone Varuma is a first year student at Claremont Mckenna College and a graduate from the USAP Community Class of 2023.
