Zambia Student Profiles
Taking a USAP Zimbabwe as a perfect sample of assisting the students to achieve their goals, the USAP Zambia was started in 2009 with an aim to support highly qualified students who want to study in the US colleges and universities but have difficulties with financing their study. Below are the profiles of our Zambian students.
Anisa Libuya
Fairfield University '14
The fifth born in a family of six, Anisa was born and raised in Mongu, a small town in western province of Zambia. He did his primary education at Mulambwa Basic School before being selected to western province's most prestigious school, St Johns secondary school. At St John's, he immediately found his place scoping numerous academic awards and participating in varied extracurricular activities. He coordinated the Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists club (JETS) and won second place in the provincial physics Olympiads in the year 2008. In the same year, he graduated at the top of his class with six points (six points being the highest a student can ever get) and earned his mark as the best graduating student in the province. It's from here that he was recognized to be a part of the highly competitive USAP program, which he regards as the "stepping-stone" towards the realization of his dreams and "an experience of a lifetime."
Now a Fairfield Honors student, Anisa is an Economics major with a minor in Asian studies and Chinese. He believes in the need to have an open mind, to embrace opportunity to try out new things and challenge oneself. He plans to lean his major towards international trade and Asian Economics. Aside from academics, Anisa is a participant of the LEAD program (Leadership Education and development) and a peer-mentoring program, Cura Personalis, intended at helping minority student deal with the rigors of college. With an Economics education, Anisa hopes to one day become a leading player in helping Africa maximize the Economic benefit it can achieve from trade with the rest of the world.
Kabungo Mulumba
Harvard University '15
Hailing from Kitwe, Kabungo Mulumba is the second born in a family of five. He grew up in Maamba where he did his primary education at Maamba Private School. Ever since childhood Kabungo has had an inquisitive mind and has been the one for risks. For example, in primary school after having a strong academic record he moved directly from fifth grade to seventh grade and still managed to make a new District record in the National Examination and earned himself a place at a prestigious Catholic school in southern Zambia, Saint Canisius High School (commonly known as "The Home of Brain shakers"). Indeed Canisius is a home of 'Brain Shakers' because being in a new environment did not deter Kabungo in any way. He got several awards, played different sports and joined diverse clubs where he held leadership positions and was also appointed a senior prefect. Kabungo also has a very keen interest in sciences. He gained further recognition when he represented the southern region at the JETS (Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientist) National Science Fair in Lusaka where he won the Chemistry Olympiads and come out 4th on the senior quiz.
Kabungo is also a community man who enjoys service. He led the Red Cross Club in treating injured students during sporting activities and also volunteered at the hospital in Maamba where he worked in different departments for several months during his senior holidays.
Kabungo believes the USAP experience provided a new window of opportunity for him and further opened his mind to new ways of thinking and enabled him to gain intellectual maturity. He also believes the USAP training has been paramount in enabling him to be well prepared for college rigor and experiences in the United States.
Now in the Harvard class of 2015, Kabungo hopes to major in Cellular and Molecular Biology while also fulfilling the Pre-Medicine requirements in order for him to enter medical school and become a neurosurgeon in the near future. He has a dream of opening a specialist hospital in Zambia so that more complex medical cases and operations can be done within his country.
Luo David Hamateyo
University of Kansas '15
Born 1994, Luo David Hamateyo is the second in a family of two. Luo was raised in the fairly urban suburb of Lusaka, the Capital of Zambia by a single mother after the divorce of his parents. He started school at Rhodes Park School in 1997 at tender age three after demonstrating admirable intellectual abilities. In sixth grade, he took a seventh grade examination and skipped straight to eighth grade then he moved to Canisius Secondary school – "THE HOME OF BRAIN SHAKERS." There, he struggled with the pressure of having skipped a grade and did not show as much academic progress as he should have. Luo then returned to Rhodes Park School and after being inspired by the writings of Dr. Benjamin Carson – whose mother always said, "you can do anything those kids at your school can do; only you can do it better!" – he started his upward scholastic journey.
"You can do anything those kids at your school can do; only you can do it better!" This became his new motto in life and with it; Luo easily became an achiever, maybe somewhat even an overachiever. He soared like an eagle above every other student in his class and by twelfth grade received several awards for outstanding performance in business studies competitions, mathematics and science fairs, best agricultural science student 2009, best history student mock examination 2009 and many others too numerous to mention. Aside showing unparalleled academic abilities, Luo's manifest leadership qualities had him appointed Chief Librarian – prefect in charge of the School Library. His extra-curricular activities included being a member of the JETS club and Junior Achievements club (a business orientated club). Luo graduated high school among the best of his twelfth grade class.
At the University of Kansas, Luo continues to strive for excellence. He plans on participating in extra-curricular activities and campus jobs and maybe even attempting motor sport someday. Remember, "you can do all the things those kids at your school can do; ONLY, you can do it better!"
Thabo Mubukwanu
The University of the South - Sewanee '15
Born in Lusaka Zambia, Thabo is the first in a family of five children to study abroad and is a strong believer in pioneering. She completed her primary school at Rosebank School and qualified to one of Zambia's accredited high schools; Kasisi Girls' Secondary School.
While in high school, she participated in various sports activities and clubs such as Commerce Club and the Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists club (JETS). She was awarded various Honors including 2nd Prize in the 2009 provincial Physics Olympiads for the JETS club. Thabo developed her leadership abilities as a school prefect, helping her teachers to coordinate her fellow students and school activities.
In 2009, Thabo graduated from high school, top of her class, earning distinctions (A's) in all her subjects. It is form here that she was recruited into USAP as a promising student.
She describes USAP as a door opener to a whole new world of opportunities. Her dreams of studying at an American university came true when she was admitted at The University of the South – Sewanee. It was also a chance for her to meet other students with similar aspirations. During her school break she participated in USAP activities and also spent time volunteering at a local community school for orphans and vulnerable children. She believes that everyone should play a part in developing their communities.
Thabo intends to major in economics while at Sewanee, and also remains open to new ideas and interests. One of her dreams is to become an influential woman and make a positive impact on society.
For Dalitso, an aspiring engineer, what better place to pursue his dreams than MIT? Born and raised in the small town of Luanshya, Dalitso is the last born in a family of six. He did his primary education at Luanshya trust School and graduated with the highest score in the district for his final exam. As a result of his outstanding grades Dalitso was accepted into the prestigious Mpelembe Secondary School.
In his second year at Mpelembe Dalitso again performed outstandingly. Along with a 100% in mathematics, Dalitso was the highest scoring male pupil in the National Junior Secondary School exam and was awarded a scholarship for his merits. Dalitso continued with his perseverance and dedication and after writing nine subjects (most people write a maximum of 8) and getting distinctions in all of them, Dalitso applied to the second intake of the fiercely competitive USAP Zambia.
USAP presented him with the once in a lifetime opportunity to apply to MIT. MIT's Software, Technology Review Magazine issues and plethora of scientific achievements had fascinated him with the Institute and his acceptance was much more than dreams come true: it was "reality becoming a living dream." He says.
Dalitso was also involved in many activities whilst in school. He was involved in Scripture union and members of the various quiz teams. As a member of the Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists Club (J.E.T.S) Dalitso took part in the Chemistry Olympiads competition and scooped first prize.
In high school he was involved with the computer society and designed and programmed two computer systems, one of which the school uses in its chaplaincy office.
Dalitso describes himself as an "audacious opportunist" and his long term goals are to find ways in which technology can be used to help develop the world's poorest people and tackle the energy crisis humanity is facing. He believes the right kind of technology applied in the right kind of ways can perform wonders in combating poverty.
For Anisa, education will never end at Fairfield for he dreams of going to one of the best graduate schools in the world and some day be recognized as one of the greatest Economist of his time.
Andrew Kayula Kaonga
Furman University '16
Born and raised in Kafue, Andrew was a rowdy child who was academically unsuccessful. His success, however, took an abrupt turn in his third grade when he began to dream, for the first time, of becoming an engineer. With overwhelming tenacity, he consecutively ranked in the top 5% of his school and graduated from primary school as the "Best Science and Geography Student". When there was an influx of foreign investors, who usually brought their engineers into Zambia during his junior secondary, Andrew decided against becoming an engineer, and instead, began to dream of becoming an entrepreneur… an industrialist so to say. During high school at Malundu School, he was the school's soccer team captain, 2009 second longest jumper, 2010 longest jumper, JETS president and School Headboy. Again, he graduated within the top 5% of the school and was awarded the honor of "2010 Best Science Student in Physics, Chemistry and Biology" during a Science/Math/Language competition.
His being selected into the 2011-2012 USAP group introduced him to like-minded people- those with a weak financial muscle, but want to change the world using their strong intellectual muscle. Through it, Andrew exchanged future developmental projects with his fellow USAPers, further embedding the idea into his head that he was not only going to study in the US for his own benefit, but also for the benefit of his country. Now at Furman University, where he intends to major in economics, Andrew hopes to use the economics degree he will get to make financial capital before becoming an entrepreneur. He then hopes to analyze and predict the sectors of the Zambian economy in which it would be best for him to invest for the maximum benefit of all Zambians.
Charles Banda
Vassar College '16
Born and raised in Chelston, a small residential area in Lusaka, Zambia, Charles is the third child in a family of four. Having attended all his primary education at Chelston Basic School, Charles graduated on top of his class and was accepted by Kafue Boys secondary: a school commonly known by most of its graduates as the "land where birds fly backwards and dogs run sideways". To him this was the beginning of his self-discovery as he leant to live on his own without having any close relatives nearby. Despite being away from home for the first time, Charles quickly integrated into boarding life and soon established himself as one of the best students in his intake. His academic achievements included but were not exclusive to overall best performances in Technical drawing, Science, Woodwork, Civic education. He also participated in the campus scripture union and JETS (Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists) club, where represented his school and won first position during the District junior JETS quiz.
After acing his junior secondary school exams, he was accepted into one of Zambia's prestigious high schools, Hillcrest National Technical High school. It was there that Charles would continue his academic journey to excellence. He took part in various extracurricular activities including soccer, JETS and was at one point dorm captain of his house. He later went on to become Vice Chief Librarian of his school. Charles recalls the library experience as "the best experience of my high school years" because he got the opportunity to serve his fellow students and also met a lot of people who honed his perception of life. Charles later graduated from high school with a perfect score of eight distinction/ones in eight subjects.
He was then admitted into the third USAP Zambia intake that he describes as a 'God-given opportunity' through which his dreams of studying in the US became a reality. There he met individuals of diverse characters with limitless intellectual potential who inspired him by their positive work attitude and desire to alleviate poverty in Zambia through education.
Charles aspires to be a medical doctor. He says his mother's diagnosis with a heart condition had a large bearing on his decision to specialize in cardiovascular surgery because he has seen the need for such specialists in Zambia. He is attending Vassar College where he plans to major in Neuroscience and Behavior and a correlate sequence in economics while fulfilling the requirements for medical school. His ultimate career goal is to open an ultramodern hospital in Zambia that will be able to carry out complex medical procedures.
Kapaya Katongo
Massachusetts Institute of Technology '16
"Nothing is mystical but anything you put your heart and mind to is attainable." - Unknown
Approximately two decades ago on a picturesque Monday morning, a loud cry shattered the silence in the maternity ward of Kalulushi Mine Hospital. It was on that day that Kapaya got his first glimpse of the world. Beaming with energy, he was up and about so much that he had received severe injuries inches away from both of his eyes by the time he was ten years old. Academically, he was just an average student who didn't put much effort into his school work but still managed to skate by. Everything changed when he received the second highest score on a science quiz in the sixth grade. He thought, "With more effort, I can definitely make it to the top."
"It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness." - Unknown
After receiving the second best score at his primary school in the Grade Seven National Examination, Kapaya later went on to St. Canisius Secondary School, otherwise known as the "Home of Brain Shakers" . In spite of all the remarkably talented people he met there, he was not intimidated and continued to work diligently. He joined the Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists Club (JETS) and in the ninth grade was chosen to represent his school at the JETS Junior Quiz. In class, he was always the best pupil in his grade and therefore received the award for best overall performance of the eighth and ninth grades respectively. Mysteriously, he was not selected to Hillcrest High School, arguably the best high school in Zambia, even after receiving one of the highest scores in his province. None of the school officials knew what had gone wrong but nothing could be done at the time. Devastated, he went back to Canisius for his high school. Two weeks into the second term of his first year, he changed his mind and decided not to give up on his dream. He threw back the lemon he had been handed and demanded for an orange. Thanks to his persistent mother, he transferred to Hillcrest within a few days and never looked back. While at Hillcrest, Kapaya went on to receive, among other awards, first position (Gold medal) at the 2010 National JETS Quiz.
"It will be the young people of Africa, brimming with talent, energy and hope who will claim the future that so many in previous generations never realized." - President Barrack Obama
Under the auspices of the United States Achievers Program, Kapaya gained acceptance into multiple US colleges and universities. Currently a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kapaya is contemplating on studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a possible minor in either Economics or Management. Zambia, and indeed Africa, is in need of young and zealous engineers who will spearhead her technological, economic and social renaissance. With the plethora of opportunities available to him at MIT, Kapaya has one single phrase echoing through his mind;
"Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum where to place it, and I will move the world!"
Jonathan Michael Chauwa
Berea College '16
Jonathan Michael Chauwa was born and raised in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. He did his primary education at Salena Trust School where he graduated with distinctions in all the subjects making him one of the top students in the country on that examination.
From Salena trust School, Jonathan was selected to go to Kafue Boys secondary School which is arguably one of the best secondary schools in the country. It selects the cream from among the Primary School Leaving Examination candidates. It is at Kafue Boys Secondary School that Jonathan distinguished himself as a leader and academician. He served as a class monitor and dormitory captain and was always on top of his class. He sat the National Junior Secondary Leaving Examinations at Kafue Boys Secondary School and was again one of the best graduating students in the country on that exam, getting distinctions in all the subjects he took.
He was then selected to go to David Kaunda National Technical High School commonly known as “DK” which is one of the two elite schools in the country. It selects only the cream from among the Junior Secondary School leaving examination candidates from the whole country. At David Kaunda National Technical High School, Jonathan participated in leadership and sports. He served as the Schools Preventive Maintenance Chairperson were his responsibilities included instructing a group of 20 student leaders called Preventive Maintenance Monitors. They were in charge of supervising preventive maintenance sessions which were school programs that aimed at engaging students in the keeping of their school environment clean. Jonathan also served as a class monitor for his class. Due to his contribution to the school, Jonathan was chosen to become a Resident Advisor (Prefect) for his dormitory in his senior year of High school. It is at David Kaunda National Technical High School that Jonathan sat his Senior Secondary Leaving Examinations and graduated with upper distinctions in all the 8 subjects on the exam making him one of the best graduating students in the country in 2013.
Aside academics, Jonathan participated in sports, singing and debate. He played the left wing in the schools Rugby team and also sung two singing groups called Sweet Relief and Revived .He was also an active member of his schools debate club.
On account of his stellar grades and extracurricular activities, Jonathan was admitted into the highly competitive Usap/Education USA program through which he managed to gain admission into Berea College. He hopes to double Major in Computer Science with Mathematics or Economics.
In his free time, Jonathan loves to watch history documentaries, connecting with friends, singing and playing Rugby.
Penjani Mkandawire
College of Wooster '17
"I am connected to a time in the future when, once again, I will know, this is the time I was in, back then, now." - Conner J.
The name 'Penjani' means "to look for" or "to search for". Since his earliest days, Penjani has been nothing but intrigued by the world around him. A self-proclaimed realist and aspiring writer, he is also the first born in a family of three boys
Born in the small mining town of Kitwe and having spent several years in Botswana, Penjani is an ardent supporter of globalization and of the benefits of cultural exchanges. He did his eighth and ninth grades at Faith Trust Academy where he was class representative in ninth grade and a member of numerous extra and co-curricular activities. He later went on to St. Johns Convent School for senior high. At St. Johns, he furthered his love of reading and more especially writing. To him, "literacy is important because of its role in nurturing the imagination; the more you read and write the better you're able to express your ideas." Penjani graduated top of his class amassing many awards.
Penjani describes admission into the fourth cohort of the highly competitive USAP Zambia as a "God given" opportunity that changed his life. Through USAP he made friends that taught him and showed him countless new ideas and viewpoints. At Wooster, he plans on pursuing a double major in Economics and Math. He's especially interested in development economics; he strongly believes in the endorsement of fast-tracked sustainable growth in developing countries. He's future goals are to proceed to graduate school, someday become a published author and return to his country to help develop it. Penjani is also an avid gamer and amateur programmer; when he isn't reading or trying to code, he's watching tennis, Formula One, visiting new places or mentoring younger students with similar interests.
Brooks Musangu
Furman University '17
Brooks was born in Mpika, Zambia and completed his education at Malundu School. Through his determination and hard work he successfully completed secondary school serving as the school Head Prefect and volleyball school captain and was active in the Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists (JETS) and Maths Club. He also participated in other sports like basketball, table tennis and athletics where he won first prize in 100, 200, 400 meter relays. His love for engineering was sparked through being awarded first prize at the regional JETS Quiz and "best overall student" in Mathematics, Physics and English while at school in Grade 12. Upon graduation, he participated in a variety of community services through his church. He applied and was accepted into the United States Achievers Program (USAP). This has made such a difference in his academic and social growth. After much perseverance, he was awarded a full scholarship to Furman University. His educational plan is to pursue a Degree in Civil Engineering and come back and contribute to a better infrastructure in the Republic of Zambia.
Mukangwa Masamba
Michigan State University '17
Mukangwa Masamba was born in Ndola, Zambia. He is the second last born in a family of four. His family moved to Lusaka where he attended Franco primary school. Upon concluding his sixth grade term exams, he finished at the bottom of his class. This great disappointment only helped him realign his thought pattern from one of indifference towards academics to one of unwavering determination. With this, he soared like an eagle to the top of the class and was the second best student of his seventh grade graduating class. One of Mukangwa's favorite quotes is:
''Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising up every time we fail''-Unknown"
Mukangwa then went on to Matero Boys Basic School where he received several awards, including best student in the English Language class. Although he anticipated being accepted into one of the prestigious schools, Mukangwa was selected to Munali Boys High School which was fairly average in academic accreditation. This however did not disrupt his focus and his somewhat arrogant conviction that he would achieve what almost every high school student wants; distinctions in all subjects. At Munali, Mukangwa participated in a diverse range of activities; Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) club, chess club and actively played volleyball and soccer. By twelfth grade, he had received recognition for outstanding performances in Business studies (principles of accounts), history and best student at the mock examinations.
After graduating from high school top of his class earning distinctions (A's) in all his classes, Mukangwa joined USAP Zambia which he considered as a great milestone. This further encouraged him towards achieving his potential and where he was taught to "run the race strong to the finish. "
Mukangwa was accepted by Michigan State University, under the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship program. Mukangwa intends to major in mechanical engineering and develop the necessary skills needed to bring development to Zambia. He anticipates being introduced to new engineering trends that would enable him to conduct research in design and management of manufacturing systems to improve the efficiency of consumer products. Mukangwa's perspective is that this may help alleviate issues like the energy crisis and pollution problems which are currently plaguing Zambia and global society.
Haggai Kaunda
University of California, Berkeley '18
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Last born in a family of two, Haggai Kaunda was born and bred on the Copperbelt province of Zambia-in the suburbs of Luanshya. Raised by his uncle-an educationist, young Haggai grew up with a natural affinity for education right from the start. And even though he did this with much reluctance through his primary years, his inquisitive mind did not stop him from setting the pace academically. Whilst in elementary school, he took an enormous interest in drama such that by the time he was in seventh grade, he saw himself acting in a TV Series for the Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation–ZNBC.
Much to the surprise of his parents and teachers, despite being the highest scoring student at his school in the seventh grade final examinations, Haggai was not satisfied by his failure to attain the score he desired; the fact that he was only a point away pierced him even more. At this point he decided to put in more effort towards his academics. With renewed focus he went to Luanshya Trust School where he set precedence and received several awards for his unparalleled academic pre-eminence. Consequently, he graduated with outstanding grades that enabled him to soar to greater heights of achievements. For example; besides setting a new record for the school, Haggai was the first Luanshya Trust School student to receive an acceptance letter from Hillcrest National Technical High School-the school of the Southern Brains. Now content with his achievement, he continued to work with diligence and determination while at hillcrest. Even though he faced a lot of detrimental setbacks through high school, he dared not turn to despair as he always knew that with God all things are possible. He maintained an excellent academic record and graduated with all distinctions on his Senior Secondary School Leaving Examination while serving as the Table Tennis School Captain.
"If you wish success in life, make Perseverance your bosom friend, Experience your wise counsellor, Caution your elder brother and Hope your guardian genius; but above all, put God first, then you can be sure to achieve your dream" - anonymous
In the year 2013, Haggai was identified to be amongst the best and brightest students in Zambia and for that reason; he was selected to be one of the students that made the 2013 USAP cohort. As a USAP student, Haggai learnt a lot from his education advisor-Elda Muco, his fellow USAPers and all the incredible people who worked long hours to secure the dreams of these students. As a result of his tenacious efforts, Haggai will be attending school at the University of California, Berkeley, where he will be majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering under the sponsorship of the MasterCard Foundation. As a Berkeley student, Haggai will take his place in the constellation of great thinkers, innovators and distinguished scholars who have made a difference in the world around them. He dreams of a time when he will use his academic talent for the betterment of his country and Africa at large.
"Intelligence is a gift that ought to be applied wisely for the betterment of the Human race. Coupled with knowledge and wisdom from the Creator, Intelligence can lead us to strive and soar high in the realm of success" - Haggai Kaunda.
Precious Daka
University of California, Berkeley '18
"Despite having a weak financial muscle, you can achieve anything with your intellectual muscle" is the adage Precious lives by.
Precious is a hardworking, determined girl who strives to make a difference in the world. Precious attended her primary education at Namununga School and was advised to skip a grade due to her academic excellence. After passing her grade seven with good grades she went to St, Mary's secondary school of Lusaka of which she was amongst the best pupils and attained an award of best pupil in a subject called History in the whole grade nine block. After attaining straight ones in her junior secondary she went to a prestigious intellectual school called Ndola girls National Technical school. While at Ndola girls, Precious was always a leader in every aspect and held the highest position in her class rating for three consecutive years. She was an energetic, enthusiastic leader in all jobs of her class as well as voluntary activities held by the school. She was a prefect, as well as a secretary of the jets club. In grade 12 she participated in the Regional Chemistry Olympiads of which she was awarded for being amongst the best three. She excelled in all her subjects in the grade 12 final examinations and further on went to do Advanced level(a levels) at L.L.C in mathematics, physics, ICT, Business studies and economics. She will be pursuing a bachelors degree in Actuarial Science this fall at University of California Berkeley.
Precious believes in giving back to the community,she assisted her fellow students in mathematics and if necessary in other subjects.She believes that everyone is equal regardless of gender and is capable of achieving what the desire. She hopes that someday she will open schools so that a huge number of people can be educated.
Braison Liemisa
Vassar College '18
"Because something has never been done before is no reason why it can't be done now!"
Throughout his life, Braison has leant to treat any 'problem', 'pain', or 'handicap', be it academic or social, as a challenge and opportunity to enlighten his way to evolve, to grow toward his full potential, and to actualize his true self and become a better human being.
The second born in a family of four, Braison hails from Choma, a small district in the Southern province of Zambia. It is the desire to 'tread into uncharted territory and leave a trail', which keeps this extraordinarily adamant and charismatic young man 'ticking'. After attending a collection of primary schools and graduating on top of his class, he was admitted to the prestigious St. Peter Canisius for his Secondary and High school education, from 2008 through 2012. It was at Canisius that his passion to eradicate chronic poverty and diseases like Malaria, Cholera and HIV/AIDS from his community, was really ignited.
Both in secondary and high school, Braison was an exemplary and exceptional scholar and managed to scoop myriad academic and honorific accolades. He also served as president in a number of academic clubs and religious associations and is a staunch advocate of positive social change. He graduated from High school on top of his class and, like other 'USAPERS' dreams to one day explode beyond the limitation of his conditions and become an example of the unlimited power of the human spirit by becoming a legendary inspiration.
Braison has been volunteering at Choma General Hospital since graduating from High school and his ultimate dream is to one day get into medical school and revolutionize Zambia's decrepit health care system.
"I like eagles. These creatures are swift and reach amazing altitudes. Other birds cower at the thought of even nearing three-hundred meters, but eagles go almost seven hundred meters. While others seek shelter during violent storms, eagles soar through the raging winds. Their secret? They don't fly. Eagles soar. They don't use the energy of their wings to move about. They wisely take the power of the rushing wind, catching its quiet force behind and beneath. And that is why they love the storm: the stronger the wind, the greater their strength. These awe-inspiring creatures make me think about how I try to surmount adversities, propelling myself to reach higher altitudes by the vigor of my own wings, boldly facing the most difficult of situations, and soaring through the most violent of storms. The greater the adversity, the stronger I become!" said Braison.
Oswald K. Chisala
Michigan State University '18
When Oswald K. Chisala was five, he and his family resettled in the quaint Botswana mining town of Jwaneng where his father worked and lived. By the time he was eight years old, he'd assimilated an intrepid fascination with the arts and sciences. Clearly that infatuation blossomed into an ecstatic romance with the seductive realm of advanced engineering because the four years that followed hailed a mental revolution; a psychological recasting of Oswald's mind-set, if you will. The lad grew to believe that, with intelligence, a lot could be achieved. Some say cartoons triggered his para-natural outlook on reality while others consider his father for the unbelievable motivation and support he rendered. Whatever the case, he stuck to his guns and began designing a remarkably complex flight system by the sixth grade.
Later on in life, the Spartan faced many sudden trials and tribulations but in the wake of adversity, persevered. He lost his parents, grandparents, moved back to Zambia and lost touch with all of his friends, faced severe depression, became temporarily blind to inventiveness and wanted to give up on his dreams but through it all, miraculously graduated from Chassa Secondary School; a well-founded but comparatively undeveloped rural school in the Eastern Province of Zambia. His experiences inculcated in him the cliché 'anything is possible' philosophy which also preserved his fanatic love for some of the more trivial things: music, chess and socializing to name, but a few.
During his senior year, Oswald received a plethora of accolades: highest graduating student of his class with honors in mathematics and physics, and a span of leadership positions ranging from his rank as a high school prefect to his role as President of the Academic Society and Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (J.E.T.S.) Club. All of his activities at Chassa prepared his psyche for the global change that he will fight for: a more technologically developed world with addressed concerns for the impact of scientific development on the social facets of our planet. In lieu of this, Oswald intends to found the Unicouger Research and Technology Institute (U.R.T.I.) – a world-class international production and development centre dedicated to the generation of highly creative metaphysical technologies – and incorporate himself with some of today's most brilliant minds.
Based on his highly impressive academic and social record, Oswald was awarded one of only twelve highly prestigious MasterCard Foundation Scholarships this year to do an honors BSc. in Mechanical Engineering at the world renowned Michigan State University, which is in the beautiful city of East Lansing, as a precursor for Aerospace Engineering. He'll be attending one of the best public research universities in the United States of America and graduating in the Class of 2018 as one of the best engineers and scientific entrepreneurs on record. He represented UsapGlobal brilliantly and now he's well on his way.
"Academic intelligence is a state of madness…." - Oswald K. Chisala
Mwangala Simataa
Lafayette College '18
"Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not."
Mwangala Simataa was born and raised in the sugar growing town of Mazabuka. He did his primary and junior secondary school education at Nakambala Private School where he graduated as the best student. Apart from this, he won 2nd Prizes in the JETS Club Regional Junior Physics Category and Junior Mathematics Olympiads Category.
From Nakambala Private, he enrolled at St. Canisius Secondary School where completed his Senior Secondary School education. While at Canisius, Mwangala was the Vice President of the JETS club and played an instrumental role in school’s triumph as Regional champions in the JETS Club Regional fair for the first time in the school’s history. Mwangala was also the Vice Project Organizer of the mathematics club and was actively engaged in other activities such as helping out at the library and in the Debate Club. Mwangala’s stay at Canisius was laden with awards such as Best student in grade 11, 1st Prize in the JETS Club Regional Chemistry Olympiad, 2nd prize in the Senior Quiz category and 2nd Prize in the FAWEZA National Telequiz, in which he represented the southern province. To crown off what had already being a successful stay at Canisius, Mwangala graduated as the best student on the grade 12 National exam, achieving Distinctions in 9 subjects, a first in the history of Canisius Secondary School.
Aside from academics, Mwangala was a dedicated member of his local church and led the Golden Bells singing group for 2 years. He also participated in community service programs in and off school.
On account of his stellar grades and community service commitment, Mwangala was admitted into the highly competitive USAP program through which he managed to get admission to Lafayette College. At Lafayette, Mwangala hopes to double major in Economics and Mathematics and go on to graduate School where he hopes to get a PhD in economics. He is very interested in politics and finance and hopes to play role in Zambia’s economic and political development.
In his free time, Mwangala loves to debate, keep in touch with friends and read a wide range of books and articles stretching from Current affairs to Art and Music.