From Zambia’s red soil to the sprawling deserts of Arizona, my journey has been woven with threads of resilience, determination, and my family’s unyielding support. I am the character of my own story, a tale that begins in the heart of Africa, where the sun kisses the horizon with a warmth that reaches into the soul.
I was a young girl with a dream that shimmered like the stars over the Zambian night sky. Chemistry was my passion, which set my heart ablaze with curiosity and wonder. I envisioned a future where I could harness this passion into a career in chemical engineering, a beacon of hope that guided me through my formative years at Fatima, an all-girls Catholic boarding school.
Upon graduation from high school, the reality of pursuing higher education in Zambia was daunting. With only two universities serving the entire nation, opportunities were scarce, and the path was fraught with obstacles. Copperbelt University and the University of Zambia were the primary pillars of academia, but closures and financial strife often crippled them. The uncertainty loomed over us like a storm cloud, threatening to drench our aspirations with the rain of disappointment. It is heartening to know that today, the educational system in Zambia has blossomed, offering far more opportunities than during my time, with a multitude of universities, colleges, and other institutions paving brighter paths for the youth of my homeland.
Two years after graduating high school, when I stepped onto the grounds of the University of Zambia, my heart pounded with excitement and anxiety. The first year was a crucible, a test of fire where all aspiring scientists were forged together, our fates to be decided by the cold, impartial hand of examination results. Competition was fierce, and the fear of failure haunted many students’ dreams.
Three months into my University of Zambia experience, I was thrown a lifeline from across the ocean. My father, a man whose sacrifices knew no bounds, offered my brother and me the chance to continue our education in the United States. Alongside him, my mother’s unwavering encouragement became the wind beneath my wings, her words and faith in me a constant source of strength. It was a monumental decision that would later require my parents to part with their hard-earned property and savings to ensure their daughter could chase her dreams without the constant interruptions back home. I established my resolve to succeed, a testament to the power of a family’s love and belief in their children’s potential.
The transition was anything but smooth, yet amidst the upheaval, I found a silver lining: the school material was initially simpler than I had anticipated, and I could dive directly into my field of choice without the fierce competition and the looming threat of being weeded out by examination results after a year of generalized study. The cultural shock was palpable, and the educational system was a labyrinth of unfamiliar practices and expectations. I grappled with homesickness, the weight of my father’s sacrifices, and the daunting financial burden of international tuition fees. My father’s resources were finite. Following his retirement, the reality of our situation came crashing down like a wave. He sold properties he held dear, all to keep my dream afloat.
The transition to the United States brought a strategic approach to my education. I spent my first two years at a community college and the University of Arizona, a decision influenced by the lower tuition fees at community college with the opportunity to take foundational courses that would transfer to a university program. I meticulously selected courses that aligned with the Chemical Engineering program at the University of Arizona, ensuring that each credit earned would be a step toward my ultimate goal. This period was a delicate balance of financial prudence and academic discipline, a dance I learned to navigate with the grace of a skilled student.
As I advanced in my studies, the last two years beckoned me to Arizona State University, where I would complete the journey I had begun so many miles away. The Arizona State University campus became my new academic battleground, where I delved deeper into the complexities of chemical engineering, each day bringing me closer to realizing my dream and each step forward a testament to the resilience that had become my armor.
The day I walked across the stage at Arizona State University, clutching my degree in Chemical Engineering, was when I knew that every trial, tear, and sleepless night had been worth it. I had emerged from the crucible not just unscathed but stronger, more self-aware, and with a deep appreciation for the power of resilience. I am thankful to my family and friends, who became my rock, pillow, and sanctuary. They held me together when I felt like I was falling apart.
Today, my resilience and the sacrifices made by my family have borne fruit, as I proudly work at a chip manufacturing giant, Intel, as a controls design engineer. My role allows me to apply the intricate dance of engineering I so dearly love, contributing to innovations that power the world. Intel recognized my potential and invested in it, sponsoring my pursuit of further education and allowing me to add a master’s degree to my academic achievements. This opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills was more than a personal triumph; it was a shared victory with those who had been my pillars throughout my journey.
My story is not just my own; it reflects every individual who has faced adversity and chosen to rise above it. It is a narrative of hope, a reminder that no matter where we come from or what challenges we face, we have the strength to overcome and the capacity to achieve our dreams.
I remained focused and positive, persevered through my family’s financial sacrifices to overcome financial hurdles, and adapted to new cultures and academic environments to achieve my goals.
Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger. Focus on one step at a time, be determined, and believe in your abilities. Hold onto your vision until it is realized.
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