People Skills Pointed the Way for Malawian Student

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Inherent good people skills pointed the way for Malawian Ms Vimbayinashe Chibambo’s tertiary education studies which resulted in her graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Ethics) degree from UKZN.

During 2012, Chibambo enrolled in a gap year programme in the Eastern Cape. ‘This proved to be one of the defining seasons of my life as I became compelled to pursue a career that would make the best use of my people skills, and hence my decision to study Psychology was born. With each passing year of my undergraduate degree, my passion for the field has grown.

Chibambo found her first year to be the most challenging since she had been out of school for just over two years. ‘I often felt out of my depth and would panic every time we were given any form of assessment. I am eternally grateful to my friend Thando who helped me throughout that year by being a base of encouragement, reassurance and strength. She taught me how crucial it is for me to believe in myself.’

With time, Chibambo began to find her feet and her academic performance progressively improved and flourished over the course of her studies.

Some of her undergraduate highlights included joining the Golden Key Society, serving on the Societies Executive Committee (2014-2015) and receiving the Dean’s Commendation at the end of her second year. She was also awarded an undergraduate scholarship.

Referring to the need to strike a balance between studies and family, she said, ‘There is no perfect formula for acquiring the right balance between family life and studies. Each semester was different and presented its own challenges, but it is important to quickly establish an understanding that while studying is a seasonal activity that demands vast amounts of time and investment, family relationships transcend this season. So learning how to prioritise one’s time accordingly is important.

‘I have a tremendous support system consisting of my family and friends who have been unwavering pillars of strength, without whom I would not be where I am today.’

Chibambo is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Cape Town. ‘I am particularly passionate about children so I plan to invest in the children of Malawi after my studies.’

Melissa Mungroo