adminWHILE most students in schools grow into imps, demi-mondes and enfants terribles, some choose friends wisely and help to shape each other into responsible adulthood. That does not mean well-behaved young boys and girls are living saints. Children will always be children. Theresa Chiwandire (TC) has just completed Upper Six at one of the best private academies in the country, Knowstics. I had the opportunity of meeting the 17-year-old UK born girl and asked her a few questions about her sentiments about Knowstics and life in Zimbabwe. Thus the interview went on:
MM: Theresa you were born in the UK right?
TC: I was born in England on March 4 1998. I came to Zimbabwe May 26 2012. My parents wanted me to gain Zim-education before coming back to England for further studies and career prospecting. I started at Knowstics 1 June 2012.
MM: Mum and Dad in England to-date?
TC: Yes, both in the UK.
MM: When are you flying back to England Theresa?
TC: 15 December, slightly more than two weeks now and eish, I can’t wait … but I will certainly miss Zimbabwe, especially my best friend Tanyaradzwa Michelle Porusingazi.
MM: We will soon come back to that Terry. Career prospects first. What would you like to study back in England?
TC: Pharmacy Mr Mtisi. I want to end up making my own beauty products. That will require sharp business acumen, hence I will pursue Business Studies too.
MM: Aspiring to come back to Zimbabwe one day to experience the majestic … of this beautiful country?
TC: Most definitely. I will come back to Zimbabwe if I can afford it as often as possible.
MM: Now back to your impressions of your days at Knowstics and Zimbabwe. Talk to me Terry.
TC: My time at Knowstics, Mutare and Zimbabwe at large were a rollercoaster of many ups and downs. I’ve cried, fought, laughed and loved. From the UK straight into Zim-boarding school was a drastic change environmentally and culturally. It was not easy I can tell you. But the several mother figures who surrounded me, namely the school principal, Mai Mukwapasi and my tete Mai Mangenje, I was able to quickly and surely adapt to my situation and new environment. But eich, I didn’t know how to wash clothes and apply floor polish. These were real challenges I had to overcome with time. . . also having to completely learn a new language Shona. But I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreaciation of the whole Knowstics community especially my teachers for their undying faith in me and giving me assurance that I would be able to pass and finish my studies at Knowstics. Mai Tanya as well, what a gracious and loving mother! She treated me like her own daughter. When you know you are not fighting the battle alone it makes the journey much easier and more worthwhile and meaningful.
MM: Your best friend Tanya Michelle…at Knowstics. Talk to me about her.
TC: She was pillar of strength. She was my shoulder to cry on. Amazing friend! I vividly remember breaking down into tears one day soo after receiving a best-wishes card from Tanya’s mom. The encouragement and love was very deep, thoughtful and humbling. I never knew Tanya’s mother loved me as much as my mother did. As I go back to England, with me I will take all the amazing memories Tanya and I shared together: the countless lunches at Nandos, the dramatic moments of laughter and tears, but above all advising each other to grow up spiritually as we grew up physically. Tanya my best friend, you shall be missed dearly and I hope distance shall do to us what fuel does to a flame.
MM: About Knowstics?
TC: Honestly and quite frankly speaking, there was nothing very amazing about Knowstics. Most of the time I was in trouble, and I think I wrote more reports than the fingers on my hands. My Tete reached a stage where when the school called her she would first ask,”Kwakanaka here?” Is everything OK? So yeah I was generally regarded as naughty and ended up not bothering to change that reputation. You know people never remember the good you did but only the bad. So yeah, Knowstics taught me to be strong, to be a fighter for inward survival I guess. Yes I was often found on the wrong side of discipline. . . that is true. But I can tell you now I’m grown up. . . more mature if you like.
MM: Changed a lot, you think and why do you think it was so?
TC: Knowstics made me realize how important rules are. Rules, I learned, are there to protect you and mould into a round disciplined individual. And with the strictness at Knowstics, I’m sure they definitely did their job well. And this will be one aspect of the school I will miss. You Know Mr Mtisi, in life no one is going to be there to tell you-don’t do this and don’t do that. Rules help us to train us to become self-disciplined and independent.
MM: Sobering to hear that from a young girl. Brilliant wisdom! Terry talk to me about one mishap you will never forget.
TC: Hmmm, I was physically attacked by one girl and the school didn’t do much about because they didn’t believe she started the fight…only until the girl (name withheld) went on to attack another girl.
MM: Give me the name of one person who will be difficult for you to forget.
TC: Tanya’s mom of course. She would bring me food on visiting days and most humbling of all she trusted Tanya with me. She invited me to her church, she’s hard working and a perfect role model. I admire her,
MM: Thanks Terry for talking to me. I dedicate this interview to you and trust it’s an appropriate send off. Go well back to England sweetheart. . . Greetings to David Cameron. Remember always I would never mind to have a daughter like you. Be a good girl and please grow up into responsible adulthood.
TC: Thank you Mr Mtisi. How fatherly you are! And what a wonderful and delightful discussion!
Online Reporter