Freshman reflections

Kudiwanashe Chauke: 1st Year Law

I’m the one you can never be! Resilient, optimistic and benevolent are the three words that describe me best. Kudiwanashe Marilynn is a lael that was given to me upon birth for identity purposes but that’s not who I am. Yes! I’ve seen the love of God manifesting in my life as is meant by ‘Kudiwanashe’ – Loved by God. My purpose is to have a positive impact on the people that I meet and leave behind a lasting legacy through being a voice for the voiceless and offering a listening ear to those who need advice in different matters of life.

Learning that dreams are not just meant for sleeping but they also do come true confounded me with fear and filled me with wonder. It had always been my dream to be part of the Africa University Community way before the School of Law was established. To say I was curious would be an understatement, I was zealous when I got the privilege to embark on this riveting journey.  It has truly been demanding yet intriguing to be the second group of students to study law at the Valley of dreams. To be part of the history makers, let alone being part of the dream by our Visionary, the late Bishop Rev Crane Hartzell who saw children from diverse parts of Africa coming to Africa University.

To be honest, it had just been a dream until I came and discovered that it is the only institution that is going to give me the best legal education. It is not only legal education that triggered my interests in choosing Africa University among other universities in Zimbabwe but it is the aspect of God’s presence in the life of Africa University as stipulated in the institution’s values. The chapel services I have attended so far, have made a great impact in my life. Talking about the Kwang Lim chapel, I cannot leave the prayer room inside which is one of my favourite places as someone who came from a Christian background.

Diversity, diversity, diversity it is! Being a part of this community is a great privilege indeed. Ours is one which is loving, tolerant and open to all nationalities, races, religions and creeds. Ubuntu is the ideology at the heart of Africa University. Regardless of what will come by at the end of the day, the goal is to become a highly skilled lawyer groomed by an institution known for prestige, integrity and ethics, and I would not have it any other way.

As we are commencing a new life and studies at Africa University, it can be challenging of course but, never forget your background. Don’t lose yourself. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, it’s never too late to hunt for greatness, the world waits for no man!