This week, Her Campus SFU has the pleasure to highlight an outgoing individual who has come from Malawi, and lives right here on campus. So let’s get to it. I introduce you to Nercya. Meet the fun-loving girl who is always in good company, or never fails to be the good company.
Fast facts!
Name: Nercya. But, please. Call me NeNe.
Hometown: Lilongwe, Malawi
Age: 18
Program: Economics
Relationship Status: Single AF, but I’m young, I’ve got time.
Nene, since the minute we met, I noticed that you have an extremely warm personality. You strike me as very personable, so, would you say making friends comes easy to you?
Making friends today, seems like a task to most. I’m sure it was even for myself, at one point. Most people are so concentrated on our deceives, and social media friends, and being popular on Instagram,Facebook, and Twitter, but in real life it’s different. When you talk to someone face-to-face, you cannot get rid of the awkward moments – you just must embrace them. Right? There’s really no avoiding them. For me, I just try to carry the conversation. If I appreciate the conversation, then I of course want to get to know the real you and hear about your stories and experiences. Then I have the power to get rid of the conversation. I start with a “hi how are you?”, “how was your day?”, or a compliment… it does not hurt to be nice.
Nercya has found herself a great group of friends among Reslife at SFU. Nene notes that her ability to adapt to change is something that has always been a part of her. For her first semester here, it’s both shocking and inspiring to see how well she’s integrated herself here at SFU.
You seem to have a lot of stories and experiences yourself. Latest being traveling up North to study here in Canada. How’s this whole experience been for you? More specifically, how are you enjoying Canada?
It’s great so far, my friends are truly the best. The thing about here is that I’ve seriously met so many diverse people. My friends are not from the same country and people are not all Canadian, they’re Nigerian, South African, Asian, European, like actually from all over the map. You don’t get that back home. If I had gone to a college back home people would have been the same and would have been the same language – I wouldn’t have learned anything new about people’s cultures or their experiences.
Had you traveled a lot before coming here?
!n my home country, Malawi yes I have, but abroad, no. I’ve also traveled around Africa a fair bit. Out of Africa though, it’s my first time. Was travelling out of Africa a scary experience? No, in that moment when I was flying here, I didn’t feel like the distance was so long. My dad came with me and it was a great experience for the both of us. It was only after my dad left and went back home that I realized that it was so far away.
Where else is on your list of places to visit?
Back home! I’m joking, I’m joking. Sam, I want to go everywhere! But specifically, a trip to Europe would be extremely cool. The culture, the buildings, and more new foods. Yes, Europe.
Nene expresses that she’s constantly learning from the people around her and the diverse community that she contributes to. That doesn’t mean that she hasn’t had her fair share of culture shock when exposing herself to new places and people.
Have you had any memorable culture shock moments?
The first time I saw snow was this January. I was like, “OMG It’s so cold.” It wasn’t bad or good, it was just cold. It wasn’t like a moment in the movies when someone sees snow and they’re so overwhelmed. It was more like, “whoa its cold man.”
Also, I feel like people are very polite here (or maybe just passive-aggressive haha). Back home, no one holds the door for you, but here, it’s a must. It’s something that I feel like I have to do, or I want to do now. Even saying thank you to strangers, or when you’re leaving the bus. It’s something. Here they say “thank you” and “sorry” for things that I would probably never think to. It’s nice that’s it’s kind of ingrained in your culture.
How have you become so comfortable here on residence?
First off, I try to interact with as many people as I can, and try to know people make friends in my classes, even the staff people who work in the dining hall, and my floormates. I’m trying to get as familiar with the people in my environment and the people in it, so that I can truly be who I am… Being familiar with your environment is what allows you to seek comfort in it. I won’t feel as happy if there wasn’t a certain ground of acquaintanceship in the place that I’m going to spend at least 4 years in.
What do you miss?
My cultural foods. I miss it so much some days. Some dishes you have to use your hands to eat the food and it’s so good, but besides that, it’s my family the most. Like you said, relationships are important to me and the bond we have is not like any other relationship that exists in my life. The way I get along with my family is past the point of mother, father, brother…. it’s more like good friends living in the same house where we know our limits and respect each other. Open communication among us is so huge that I miss that. Not having the chance to, but wanting to talk to them about so many things without feeling limited or embarrassed because they’re my family is a cool feeling. I look for that in my friendships as well.
Do you think you’ve grown since being here?
Back then, nothing held me back. Now I don’t think that I even have a limit. Take advantage of every person you learn from because they don’t just provide you with opportunities, but also experiences. Nothing held me back then and nothing can now. I was exposed to an overwhelming amount of friendliness that I try to mirror. Actually, I remember when I just met you! You took me on a tour at SFU, remember? You were so friendly, and I love that we clicked instantly. There was nothing that held me back. I think I’ll know if I’ve truly grown later down the line though.
Any hobbies?
BTS. It’s a group of seven wonderful men that inspire my life haha. It’s a K-pop boy band group. Apart from watching BTS, to be honest, I just like hanging out with my friends. And probably sleeping or cleaning. Drawing, I also enjoy drawing!
What are you most passionate about?
I’m all about life, knowledge, and self. Everyone has a story, and when you learn that, you’ll never stop learning at all. Regardless of everything. And that’s why I’m passionate about learning and understanding human behavior, because it lets you empathise and relate to people. Being able to listen, to not judge, and criticize. People need to let each other see their knowledge and true selves.
Lightening Round:
Last Played Song: Not today – BTS
Last three emojis used: Laughing face, chickie or chicken one, and the face palm girl!
Morning or night: Night
Book of choice: Jury Must Die
Movie genre: I’m an action person.
Clothing Item you cannot go without: Socks
Well there you have it; the lovely Nercya. Don’t be shy to say hi if you see her around. Remember…. NeNe’s big heart and passion for people make her nothing but easy to talk to. I’ll leave you with her biggest piece of advice for other prospective international students, students from abroad or anyone form out of town, on getting accustomed to life here on “The Mountain”:
“I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t be afraid to make friends. Friends are family here, and if they aren’t yet, they become your family soon enough”.
Photos provided by the interviewee