Big Heart, Big Smile, and Big Dreams

Panashe’s laughter resonated through the hall, his smile radiating like a sunbeam cutting through the dark clouds. Despite the heavy rain, he arrived at the interview with a smile and laughter. From his early days in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Panashe Ndlovu has always been known as a “people person,” his ability to connect with others and his interest in their experiences led him to major in Communication Sciences, a field that values empathy, understanding, and bridging cultural divides.

“They call me a people person because I love to talk and I love to laugh. I even came up with a name for my laughter! I call it laughing laughter.” Panashe believes that story and laughter enable him to create authentic and strong connections with other people, to understand others, their ways of thinking, their viewpoints, their perspectives, and their way of seeing the world

As a student of Communication Sciences at UMS, Panashe’s infectious laughter and warm smile are integral to his identity. For him, being a student of communication transcends the classroom - it’s how he lives his life. Communication Sciences revolves around understanding the intricacies of human interaction, bridging gaps between individuals, and creating authentic connections. This desire to understand and connect with others drew him to this field, and he perfectly reflects the program’s values.

His dedication to creating connections extends beyond his classroom wall. He actively seeks opportunities to put his communication skills into practice, exemplifying the program’s emphasis on experiential learning. So far, Panashe has spoken in six schools where he speaks about global citizenship. He also participated in the Summer School on Comparative Regionalism at Universitas Airlangga and the International Youth Enhancing Study Program in 2022 at Universitas Islam Malik Ibrahim Malang. In those two events, Panashe earned recognition as the Best Participant. 

“That’s one of the things that I really love, the fact that I get to practice what I learn. And I’ve also been lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of a number of programs,” He explained.

Before arriving at UMS, Panashe held clear expectations and plans for his new journey. He anticipated a well-rounded study program that would hone his social and soft skills and provide a platform for practical learning. As he embarked on his studies, he was pleasantly surprised that the reality surpassed his expectations.

The academic experience at UMS proved to be exceptional, Panashe was really impressed with the lecturers who are highly reachable and accessible. “The lecturers here really inspire us to study more. They inspire us to bring our insights and questions and have a really human and open discussion.”

Praising the academic environment, Panashe commends the study program for surpassing theoretical learning and promoting practical applications of knowledge. Courses such as basic photography, philosophy of communication, and communication science theory hold a special place in his heart.

“I am happy because it is exactly what I was looking for. I love the curriculum. We study things grounded in research and things happening right now,” he explained.

Beyond academia, the Communication student discovered a welcoming community in Solo. The friendly atmosphere of the city and its people left a lasting impression on him. The sense of camaraderie within the community, coupled with the warmth of its residents, made Solo feel like a home away from home for Panashe. 

“I absolutely adore this city. The neighborhood I live in, near Pesma, has become a close-knit community. I’ve gotten to know many people in the vicinity, from those working in nearby stores to fellow residents around Pesma. It truly feels like a community here.”

Despite being a Christian in an Islamic university, he embraced the cultural and religious diversity around him. His curiosity about other religions and cultures and open-minded approach allowed him to integrate seamlessly into the university environment. Panashe never felt like an outsider, attributing this to the inclusive nature of both the city and the university.

“I am naturally curious about other religions and cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds. Being here provides me with a nuanced perspective on diverse ways of thinking and seeing the world,” explains Panashe.

The Zimbabwean holds the belief that our differences make us unique and strong as human beings. In his eyes, through communication, peace can be brokered, war can be ended, and conflict can be resolved. Eager to delve deeper into social-emotional intelligence within his study program, Panashe envisions a world where differences are tolerated and celebrated. After finishing his studies, Panashe aspires to be a negotiator and peacemaker who can turn conflicts into opportunities for dialogue and understanding. 

In his own words, “I wanted to venture into conflict resolution and peacebuilding after I graduated. I want to apply my skills to solve world problems.” 

Toward the end of our interviews, Panashe sent a message to future students. “UMS is a treasure trove of possibilities, and the key lies in approaching them with enthusiasm. Identify these opportunities, whether within your faculty, through various programs, or university-wide events. Networking is crucial, extending beyond the university’s boundaries to connect with international students from other institutions. It’s a hopeful path to personal and academic growth during your time here.”

Through his passion for social-emotional intelligence and storytelling, he not only connects with individuals but also envisions a world where understanding and acceptance prevail. His journey at UMS is not just an academic pursuit. It’s a hope for a better world, a belief that communication can create positive change on a global scale.