2008 Woodie Awards
Zimbabwean student looks to master life
Amber Pompa
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Gideon Mazambani, who recently was named as master's representative on the Graduate Council, works at the Alumni Relations office, where he shares a radiant smile, reaching all the way to his eyes, and an awesome attitude with all who walk through the doors.
Mazambani is from Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in Southern Africa experiencing some political turmoil. President Mugabe, in control since 1987, is currently doing everything in his power to restrict freedom of expression, in the hopes of squashing insurgents, mainly the Movement for Democratic Change, according to the MBendi - Information for Africa Web site.
Mazambani has been in this country since August 2004, when he began work on his degree in Computer Information Systems.
"If you've had a computer problem in the past two years, I've probably fixed it," Mazambani said. "I was always experimenting as a kid. I was always curious about how things worked; [sic] I would break it apart and try to fix it back together. That's what drove me to learning more about computers. I initially wanted to go into electronics, but in my country there was only one high school that offered electronics, and I couldn't afford to go there."
Thomas Blakey, an alumnus of the Texas A&M University-Commerce and family friend, helped bring him here and has helped him tremendously, according to Mazambani.
"Without him, I probably wouldn't have made it here," he said.
Mazambani graduated in May 2007 and immediately began working on his master's. This spring he was given the honor of representing the master's program on the Graduate Council, the only seat given to the program.
Coming from a country where freedom of speech simply does not exist, to one in which it is highly valued, was a shock to Mazambani.
"One thing I like [about America] is the freedom of expression," Mazambani said. "I come from a country where you can't even criticize the president. I remember my freshman year - it was just before the presidential election - you'd hear people saying bad things about the president. I had just come from Zimbabwe, and it was hard for me to listen to them criticizing people. People being free to express their views; that's one thing I like."
Mazambani is from Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in Southern Africa experiencing some political turmoil. President Mugabe, in control since 1987, is currently doing everything in his power to restrict freedom of expression, in the hopes of squashing insurgents, mainly the Movement for Democratic Change, according to the MBendi - Information for Africa Web site.
Mazambani has been in this country since August 2004, when he began work on his degree in Computer Information Systems.
"If you've had a computer problem in the past two years, I've probably fixed it," Mazambani said. "I was always experimenting as a kid. I was always curious about how things worked; [sic] I would break it apart and try to fix it back together. That's what drove me to learning more about computers. I initially wanted to go into electronics, but in my country there was only one high school that offered electronics, and I couldn't afford to go there."
Thomas Blakey, an alumnus of the Texas A&M University-Commerce and family friend, helped bring him here and has helped him tremendously, according to Mazambani.
"Without him, I probably wouldn't have made it here," he said.
Mazambani graduated in May 2007 and immediately began working on his master's. This spring he was given the honor of representing the master's program on the Graduate Council, the only seat given to the program.
Coming from a country where freedom of speech simply does not exist, to one in which it is highly valued, was a shock to Mazambani.
"One thing I like [about America] is the freedom of expression," Mazambani said. "I come from a country where you can't even criticize the president. I remember my freshman year - it was just before the presidential election - you'd hear people saying bad things about the president. I had just come from Zimbabwe, and it was hard for me to listen to them criticizing people. People being free to express their views; that's one thing I like."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Pam Eilers
posted 11/01/07 @ 3:02 PM CST
While Gideon only worked in our office for a short time during this past summer, he left a lasting impression. He is a great and humble person. He is always willing to lend a helping hand. (Continued…)
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