My story so far
Posted under: I currently live in Toronto, Canada but I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. I consider myself an African nomad because over the past 5 years, I’ve had the opportunity to live in 5 different cities and in 3 different continents and I’ve also visited many other countries in the process. Each place I’ve been to has contributed to my personal growth and development and has defined the person I am today.
Vancouver
At the age of 19, I packed my bags and moved halfway across the world to study Communications at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. For the first time in my life, I was away from my family and my friends and I found myself living in a new, distant and foreign land in which I did not know a single person. This experience marked my initiation into adulthood and taught me the importance of being independent. It also marked the beginning of my global adventure and my love affair with traveling. Since then, I haven’t looked back.
Amsterdam
After three years, I decided that I was ready to take on the world again so I moved to the Netherlands for 7 months to study at the University of Amsterdam on an exchange program. This was undoubtedly the most exciting experience I’ve had in my life so far and was a true defining moment for me. Living in the Netherlands and backpacking across Europe enabled me to come into my own and also opened up my mind to the world. I really enjoyed the experience of once again living in a different country and adapting to a foreign culture and environment. I also formed strong connections and friendships with people across many different cultures and I now have a greater awareness and understanding of European culture.
Addis Ababa
After my European sojourn, I decided that I was not quite ready yet to return to school yet so I decided to continue my travels. This time I headed back to Africa and worked for 5 months as a Communications Assistant at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia. Having been away from Africa for several years, it was great to be able to reconnect with my roots and be closer to my family and I also made a few trips back to Zimbabwe to spend time with them. Living in Ethiopia allowed me to immerse myself in a culture that is completely different to my own. The sights, sounds and tastes of Ethiopia are significantly different to Zimbabwe and the experience enabled me to truly appreciate the diversity and beauty that Africa has to offer.
Toronto
After my year-long semi-world tour, I eventually returned back to Vancouver to complete my studies. Before the ink had even dried on my degree however, I once again packed my bags and moved across the country to Toronto where my journey continues to unfold. This blog serves as an account of where I’ve been, where I am now and where I’m going. Along the way, I’ll also post on things that inspire and motivate me both personally and professionally.