Saturday, 05 June 2010 04:07

Last Updated on Saturday, 05 June 2010 10:42

UKZAMBIANS this week talks to a young recent graduate at the American Harvard University.

Andrew Chileshe Nkumbula

UKZAMBIANS: Where were you born?

I was born in Lusaka, Zambia

UKZAMBIANS: Tell us about your family?

I have two sisters, both younger. Both of my parents are deceased and have had to live with my Aunt and other members of my extended family. So my family has expanded over the last decade to include more aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

UKZAMBIANS:What do your parents do?

My Aunt, who has looked after me, works for Lusaka International Airport in the fire department. My uncle runs his own business in Lusaka.

UKZAMBIANS: Which part of Zambia do you come from?

I am Bemba and come from the Northern Province. My village is in Mungwi District and my chief is the “old man,” Chitimukulu.

UKZAMBIANS: Where did you grow up?

I grew up mostly in Lusaka then spent three years of my senior high school in Livingstone.

UKZAMBIANS: Tell us about your childhood friends?

I have lost contact with most of childhood friends. Few I am in touch with are in Zambia and are either finishing up university studies or working. We used to talk about how we wanted to be the next generation of leaders. I am looking forward to that moment provided it materializes.

UKZAMBIANS: Tell us about your primary school and secondary schools experience?

For primary school, I went to Jacaranda Basic School then went to Munali High School for my junior secondary school. After Munali, I was selected to go to Hillcrest in Livingstone from grades 10 to 12. Being government schools, I was subjected to the same poor schooling conditions as everyone else. Such conditions, however, paid off because I learnt to teach myself without relying too much on teachers. Not much happened at Munali but Hillcrest is the school that most shaped me. Hillcrest only cared about academics and the living conditions did not matter. Everyone was hardworking and that drove me to realize my full academic potential, as I always wanted to be on top of the class. It was a competitive environment that taught me to work independently without relying too much on the teachers.

UKZAMBIANS: Tell us some of the people that influenced you as a kid, i.e. Teachers, Politicians or business people while you where young?

My grandfather, now deceased, was a great influence in my life. He was one of the few educated of his generation and had achieved a lot in his life. He always emphasized the value of education and what it can do for oneself. Driven by a desire to better my life and those of my family members, I always embraced hard work in school.

UKZAMBIANS: Why did you not go to a local university in Zambia?

I was actually accepted to study at the University of Zambia. However, an Uncle of mine from South Africa was impressed with my academic achievements in Zambia and recommended that I look for opportunities abroad. He found a very good international school for me in Swaziland, with the goal of eventually getting into a top US or UK University. Thus, I spend 2 years at Waterford Kamhlaba School doing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a pre-university qualification recognized internationally. The school is somewhere between a high school and a college. I then attended Harvard University from 2006 to 2010, graduating in May with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics.

UKZAMBIANS: How did you find yourself at Harvard University?

The IB program opened up doors for me. I excelled academically at Waterford and my tutor recommended that I apply to Harvard. Being an international school, Waterford attracted admissions officers from many US universities. I was actually interviewed by the head of international admissions for Harvard University and was fortunate enough to get admitted.

UKZAMBIANS: Is it the same University that President Obama went to?

Yes it is the same University. President Obama went to the law school where he did his Law Degree (JD).

UKZAMBIANS: Why is Harvard University a special University in the world?

Harvard is the oldest University in the United States and currently ranked as the best university in the world. It is renowned for its research, faculty and high achieving students. Most of its alumni are people who influence the world in some way or another. It has produced Nobel Laureates, Presidents, UN Secretary Generals, etc

UKZAMBIANS: Do you think you are lucky?

I would say that I am lucky only to a certain degree. I was lucky when my Uncle from South Africa enrolled me at Waterford instead of going to the University of Zambia. However, my own efforts and determination played the other part in ensuring that I managed to get myself into Harvard. So I would say it is a combination of both luck and hard work.

UKZAMBIANS: What kind of unique things have you learnt from Harvard University?

Harvard is a global university, attracting students from different backgrounds, cultures, religions and experiences. I will remember little about the courses I took but will definitely cherish the moments I spent with my peers. Harvard has taught me to live with people who I might not share anything in common with. There is value in interacting with people who you might share views with. I have learnt to be more open minded and ready to hear other’s point of view. Even when I did not agree, I learnt to respect other people’s opinion.

UKZAMBIANS: What do you want to be when you are 50 years old?

Well if I will still be alive then, I want to be running my own businesses in Zambia.

UKZAMBIANS: What do you think about Dambisa Moyo?

I think she’s great person and has done well for herself. I am not entirely convinced by her argument of getting rid of intergovernmental aid. While it is true that aid does make governments dependant on it to a point where they cannot do anything without it, I think the main problem lies more with the leaders and governments than aid. Dambisa does acknowledge countries where aid has worked and I think that some leaders are better at channeling aid into meaningful projects. So I think any reform should start with the leadership and governments. Aid if used properly could be important in helping developing countries.

UKZAMBIANS: What words of encouragement do you have for young Zambians?

They should aim higher and never settle for mediocrity. Something that I found useful was to being overly ambitious. When you have goals that are harder to attain, you get pushed to the limit and utilize your full potential. The thing is that if you aim higher, even when you do not get to your desired position, you will still end up some place high enough. So be ambitious and work hard towards your goals.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1330507&forum_id=1#15171511)