DREAMS KNOW NO BORDERS: WHAT ATTRACTED A STUDENT FROM ZIMBABWE TO OUR UNIVERSITY?

Masimba Matsa is a first-year student fr om Zimbabwe, a Southern African country wh ere the famous Limpopo River flows and the mighty Victoria Falls roars. Like many of his compatriots, he could have chosen to become a doctor, but instead decided to study pharmacy with the goal of opening his own pharmacy in the future. In this interview, Masimba shares insights about his homeland—where elephants can walk freely through the streets—and his journey to studying at our university.

— Tell us about your home country.
Zimbabwe is a country with very diverse landscapes. In our national parks, you can see rocky hills, dry areas, and places full of bright vegetation. The most famous landmark is Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as «The Smoke That Thunders.» I visited it when I was a child, and I still remember how small I felt standing next to such a powerful natural wonder.

We grow fruits and vegetables all year round, and agriculture plays an important role in our economy. We produce crops like cotton, maize, wheat, and watermelons. Even bread tastes different compared to Russia—we often eat it with peanut butter or make egg sandwiches.

— In Russia, children read stories about animals near the Limpopo River. Is wildlife really that diverse?
Yes, it’s true. Zimbabwe has a huge variety of animals—mammals, birds, and insects. In rural areas, it’s normal to see elephants walking freely.

Once, my friend and I decided to take a shortcut through a forest on our way to a shop. Suddenly, we saw something moving and realized it was an elephant. We quickly hid, and fortunately, it didn’t notice us. It was a bit scary because elephants can be aggressive. After that, we chose a safer way back.

We also have crocodile farms, similar to chicken or cattle farms in other countries, and ostrich farms where people can even ride ostriches. It sounds fun, but I’ve never tried it.

— How did you decide to study in Russia?
At first, I planned to study in Zimbabwe, but then I realized that Russia offers great opportunities. A Russian degree is considered prestigious in my country, especially in medical fields.

I was accepted through the «Education in Russia» scholarship program, which allows me to study for free. In high school, I focused on mathematics, chemistry, and biology to qualify. There is cooperation between our countries, and every year students from Zimbabwe come to study here. The competition is high, so I feel lucky to be selected.

My parents are very proud of me because I am the first in my family to receive higher education, especially abroad.

— What is your student life like now?
My student life is very busy. I spend a lot of time studying pharmacy, and I enjoy working with chemical formulas because they are logical and clear. However, subjects related to law, especially learning legal terms and the Constitution, are more challenging for me.

At the same time, I take part in university events and enjoy singing on stage. When I perform, I feel more confident and energetic. I would also like to play football, but I don’t have enough time for it right now.

Overall, I’m happy with my choice and my active student life. In the future, I hope to become a licensed pharmacist and open my own pharmacy in Zimbabwe.