Meet the Minerva Freshmen - Timukudze Chizema

What made you apply to Minerva? 

To be honest, at first, it was just the acceptance rate. It was more of a challenge to myself to see if I had what it took to apply and be accepted to such an institution. However, the moment I started the application process and my confidence grew, it quickly became the travel exposure I would get and the idea of having a new family from all over the world, that made me excited about joining Minerva. 

What have you learned about yourself during the application process?

During the application process, I learned that I enjoy working under pressure. The process was lengthy and, unlike most university applications I had encountered, required me not only to reflect on what I had learned in life but also to demonstrate how I applied those lessons through various tasks. This approach was a breath of fresh air as it was different from what I was used to, but also quite challenging because it pushed me beyond the typical application format.

I remember one challenge that required me to apply my critical thinking skills to resolve a hypothetical conflict within a shared living space with my friends. It wasn’t just about finding a solution but about demonstrating how I would navigate differing perspectives, communicate effectively, and ensure a fair resolution. The scenario forced me to think on my feet and balance logic with empathy. I remember completing that challenge and feeling genuinely proud of how I had approached it. At the same time, I also discovered that I might not be as patient as I had always believed myself to be, as managing conflicts in high-pressure situations tested my ability to remain composed.

What was your favorite accomplishment you mentioned in your Minerva application?

Being a sports and outdoor enthusiast, one of my proudest accomplishments was serving as the captain of my school’s girls’ volleyball team and later becoming the vice-captain of the national team. What made this achievement particularly special was the fact that I had only been playing volleyball for a year before rising through the ranks to represent my country and lead two teams in my senior year. One of my favorite memories from that journey was during my first year of playing the sport when I received the award for Best Receiver at the most important interschools competition of the season, which was hosted by my school. It had been an incredibly long, emotional, and exhausting day, filled with intense matches and high stakes. I remember pushing myself to perform my best, but I never expected to receive an individual award. When my name was announced, I was completely caught off guard. I had done well throughout the tournament, but as a newcomer to the sport, I didn’t think I had made that much of an impact. Winning that award not only made me immensely proud but also felt like a validation of the hard work I had put in. Representing my school in such a crucial competition and being recognized for my efforts was unforgettable.

As I continued my volleyball journey, I had the opportunity to compete in various national and regional tournaments, each one bringing new challenges and unforgettable experiences. Whether it was the thrill of a close match, the camaraderie with my teammates, or the lessons learned from tough losses, every game shaped me into the player and leader I became.

Is there anything you are particularly excited about regarding your first year at Minerva?

I am excited to learn more about the different cultures and traditions within Minerva. The possibility of having friends from over even 20 countries is incredible, and something I’m still wrapping my head around!

What are your first impressions of the Class of 2028 community, of San Francisco?

My first impression of the Class of 2028 can be summarized in one word: greatness. The passion, curiosity, and ambition within our cohort are unlike anything I have experienced before. People in my cohort are striving to achieve remarkable things, and many of them have already started taking bold steps toward their goals.

To me, the Minerva community is a unit of love and support. One that I know I can always lean on in life, even beyond graduating. They mean family.

How do you feel like Minerva helped you grow so far? What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining Minerva?

Since joining Minerva, I’ve become more adventurous—trying new cuisines, attending events I never imagined, and embracing the unfamiliar. I have learned to take risks and tackle challenges head-on, even when they seem impossible at first. Every day, I am pushed to step out of my comfort zone and grow in new ways.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

Just be yourself. Be authentic. That one thing you think does not matter and is probably not an accomplishment to others but you feel is an accomplishment to you is worth mentioning. Have your own measures of success, not the ones the world might try to force you to abide by.

If you were inspired by Timukudze's story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, apply to join Minerva today.