Had I been told that I would be enriching my mind in one of Philadelphia’s quiet suburbs, I would have deemed that prophecy a faux pax. Had I been told that I would lead a life of Independence 10,000 miles away from home, I would have scoffed at the thought. Nonetheless, the desire to learn … Continue reading USAP Perspectives: To Make Them Count
USAP Perspectives: The Changing Me
7.30am! I place my phone back onto the table, a bit frustrated by the fact that I am up 45 minutes too early. I also know it won’t help trying to force myself back to sleep because my mind’s whispering all the mandatory tasks on my planner. I try forcing myself to sleep anyway. As … Continue reading USAP Perspectives: The Changing Me
USAP Perspectives: ALU – The Never Ending Story
Let me start with the bad news: There I was freshly baked from the high school oven, tired, uneasy, stressed yet optimistic that the future had something special in store for me. Final high school exams had dealt with me thoroughly and I knew exactly what my harvest would look like. My concentration and attention … Continue reading USAP Perspectives: ALU – The Never Ending Story
USAP Perspectives: Becoming a Smithie
I sat there with my paper in my hand and read what was written on it. This was my first Sabbath at Amherst college with ACTS (Adventist Christians Together to Serve), a Five College group of Adventists who come together to worship. We introduced ourselves and shortly we had an exercise; we were given paper … Continue reading USAP Perspectives: Becoming a Smithie
USAP Perspectives: Four Weeks In
I am a TV shows person. I like crime dramas, medical dramas, South African soapies, paranormal dramas, comedy… you name it! I am not saying I am an expert in everything related to TV shows, but I can hold together conversations on what is happening across different dramas and series. So, if I told you … Continue reading USAP Perspectives: Four Weeks In
USAP Students Win Big at Math/Science Olympiad
Four students in the current USAP cohort proudly took the stage on Friday, September 22 at Bindura University of Science Education’s national Mathematics and Science Olympiad. USAPer Munashe Mhlanga, from John Tallach High School in Matabeleland North Province, won the overall Gold Medal for the Mathematics Olympiad, and was awarded a laptop and $250. Evans … Continue reading USAP Students Win Big at Math/Science Olympiad
Paying It Forward: USAP Students Sleep Well
When USAP students arrived on college campuses across America in August, they were pleasantly surprised to find a post office slip alerting them they had a package awaiting them. That package contained a beautiful set of bedding for each of their new dorm rooms. A USAP alumna, who prefers to remain anonymous, came up with … Continue reading Paying It Forward: USAP Students Sleep Well
USAP Bootcamp: Assaulting One’s Sense of Self
It was on a Monday morning on the 28th of August when I was welcomed by the cheerful faces of my fellow USAP family members whom I had last seen four months ago when we prepared for the SAT. I had mixed emotions. I was very happy to meet again with this second family, but … Continue reading USAP Bootcamp: Assaulting One’s Sense of Self
USAP Bootcamp: Sunset Lessons
“Wow, this is actually very beautiful….” I whispered to myself in disbelief as I sat there staring at the captivating sunset over Lake Chivero. The sun was a soft burnt orange, and looking at it made it hard for me to believe that that was the same sun that had blazed hot at midday, and … Continue reading USAP Bootcamp: Sunset Lessons
USAP: Dreams Come True
“Alvin, they are looking for you! Go to the office right now!” I had just strolled into the gates of my high school when a group of my friends rushed up to me. It was 8 weeks after I had submitted my USAP application and I walked around with a heavy weight in my stomach. … Continue reading USAP: Dreams Come True