The international student population of Sewanee is filled with bright and talented students, and I was lucky enough to interview Simba Chakanyuka, in hopes of getting a glimpse into the life of an international student and Sewanee and for him to share more about himself.
Where are you form, and what made you pick to attend Sewanee?
I am from Zimbabwe, and I chose Sewanee because I was looking for a small competitive elite liberal arts school which can be a platform for me to explore my dreams.
How is Sewanee different from your home country?
Firstly, my country is obviously bigger as the population is near 13 million (chuckles). So let’s compare the two countries: US and Zimbabwe. Our cultures are totally different as Zimbabwe is a [more] conservative state than the US, then the US [has a] more advanced economy, techno wise etc (obviously).
What’s your favorite thing about Sewanee so far?
I love the great scenery views, the Cross, etc. I also like the community, it’s full of wonderful people who have helped me settle in quickly and easily.
What do you miss most about home?
Food, sadza and beef (see pic below) and speaking in my native language Shona, and obviously my family goes without saying.
You share the same name as Simba, King of the Jungle, but your name means something else. What does your name mean in Shona (the primary language spoken in Zimbabwe)?
SIMBA in Shona means power, my full name is actually Simbarashe which literally translates into Power of God, but [I] just go by Simba. Must admit I didn’t expect people to react the way they do to my name.
What do you think of Sewanee’s international student population, and what would you like people to know about your home country?
It’s a small but tight community and I must admit a lot of [my] friends are also internationals due to our relatively similar backgrounds. Zimbabwe is a country that is far better than the way it’s portrayed, yes it’s not the best of place[s] to live in right now but at times the media just exaggerates and focuses on the negative things yet there are other positive thing to showcase. For instance, our literacy rate is only second to Tunisia in all of Africa. I’d enjoy having coffee with those interested in learning more.
If you could be any Superhero, who would you be?
The Arrow
What are some Shona words you’d like to teach the Sewanee community?
Ndeipi – Hi
Makanaka – You are all beautiful
Maiita basa – Thank you