She was a happy teenager with big dreams. One fateful day, the trajectory of her life changed when she received devastating news about her father. With no source of income, her family struggled to make ends meet, and the future seemed bleak. But she refused to let her dream die.
Cynthia Mapendere was born in Hwange, Zimbabwe, and was the youngest in her family. She grew up in Hwange Safari Lodge, which is just outside the boarders of the popular tourist attraction, Hwange National Park.
She came from a middle-class family and grew up around a lot of wildlife – the park is home to over 100 mammal and more than 400 bird species, according to the park’s website.
At the lodge, Mapendere was exposed to renowned researchers at a young age, and gained an appreciation for nature and wildlife.
Life was going well until her father passed away just after she completed high school. It is at this point that her life took a drastic turn.
“Words can never (express) how I felt when my father passed away,” Mapendere told The Weight She Carries. “My dad and I had plans. I had promised him that I would (do well) in school. I wanted him to see all of my achievements in life.”
Mapendere’s father was the only source of income for the family, and after his death, the family was left destitute and struggled to survive.
“We were forced to move to the rural areas,” Mapendere said “I remember that we would, at times, wake up as early as 4 a.m. to go and spend the whole day in the fields in order to get a bumper harvest. It was not easy, but we got used to it.”
Mapendere’s mother sold the maize (corn) in order to support the family.
“My mother was not formally employed, so she would strive to make ends meet, but the money was not adequate,” she said.
When the time came to apply to universities to further her education, Mapendere needed money to cover the application fee – money she did not have.
“Even if you get accepted, where will you get money to pay (tuition)? We cannot sell all our cows,” her mother said.
Mapendere responded boldly, saying that she was going to make it somehow. Shortly after, the company her father worked for approached her and asked if there was anything they could do for her.
“I guess it was because my dad always talked about me – how I loved school. I told them I wanted them to further my education,” she said.
They agreed.
Mapendere applied to the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She chose that particular university because it was convenient for her, in terms of accommodation, because her uncle lived in the city. Her brother filled out her application for her and submitted it on her behalf.
Soon, word came that Mapendere had been accepted. She was ecstatic.
“My main priority when I got admitted to NUST was to study hard, make my mother proud, and change our lifestyle,” Mapendere said.
But when she went to her father’s former employer to discuss her tuition, they were reluctant to keep their word.
“The organization that had initially agreed to pay for me was backing out, and I had to fast for a whole month,” Mapendere said. “It was on the last day of prayer and fasting that the organization communicated that they would pay.”
During her time at NUST, Mapendere often didn’t have money for transport. So, her uncle and aunt – whom she describes as her pillar of strength – decided it was best for Mapendere to live closer to the school campus.
Mapendere realized that she would need to come up with a way to pay for some of her school expenses not covered by her father’s former employer.
“My mum would send produce from the farm for consumption, and I started to sell small snacks to get extra cash to be able to go to the library and make photocopies. I started with the little capital I had,” she said.
It was difficult, but she made it through; and graduated with honours with a degree in Forestry Management and Wildlife Management.
“I couldn’t believe this was me! My dream had come true. My mum and my brother were there to celebrate with me. It was just awesome,” she said.
Mapendere still had more to achieve. After working in various capacities, she decided to pursue a graduate degree and is now completing her Masters in Environmental Ecology at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
“Never let your background define you, you have what it takes. when the going gets tough, think about my journey and be inspired to be better off.” – Cynthia Mapendere
