Senior Spotlight: Delight Pazvakawambwa

What have been some of your best moments at Andrews?
My participation in research has helped me grow as a scientist and made it possible to foster some great relationships with my professors and peers. I learned a great deal of patience when my research project was not going well, and this also helped me learn a great deal about reading research papers effectively. On a lighter note, I made beautiful memories: playing on the soccer team, spontaneous trips with friends, participating in AU's Got Talent, life in the polar vortex, etc. I am certainly leaving AU with many stories, new friends, and life lessons.

How has the experience of being a pre-med student and an RA been so far?
The pre-med track is very rigorous, and being an RA is almost equally demanding, so I had to be on top of my calendar. As anyone who has taken Foundations of Biology knows, it is not a joke; the textbook is thick and all of that information has to find a home in your brain. Being an RA requires an individual to be up at late hours and be available for students who need assistance at different times of the day. Balancing the two roles is a tough sport: it is not easy, but it is possible. Having a complete support system has helped me through highly stressful seasons. However, most of the credit belongs to God; he came through for me so many times on this journey.

How have you found balance with work, school work, and your personal life?
The first semester of my freshman year was probably the time I quickly learned that life as an adult is not as easy as I thought it would be. I learned that keeping a detailed calendar was essential. However, there are times when I have to make some sacrifices to keep my priorities in check. While building a career is important, I also value my relationships and other areas of my personal life.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I am just trusting God to guide those plans. Whether that means immediately going to medical school next year or taking a break from school for a while and exploring other avenues, time will tell. Ultimately, I know my calling is serving as a missionary doctor.

What do you enjoy most about your major?
I am fascinated about how the body works, so all the biology classes that deepened and strengthened my knowledge of humans were my favorite things about being a biology major. These classes include systems physiology, genetics, psychology, sociology, and human anatomy, my favorite being the latter. My experiences in these classes have further fueled my desire to be a physician. Thus, being a biology major is a great foundation for my chosen career as a physician.

What are some study strategies you’ve acquired in the past four years of college?
I have learned that you need to figure out what works for each class. Strategies you use for physics class might not work well for a biology class. If you pay attention to class, you will already know a good deal of information. Doing a little bit of studying each day is easier than trying to cram the last few days before a test. Having a study group helps with keeping yourself accountable, and it has helped me pick up a couple of things that I might have missed during my preparation. Do not be afraid to ask the professor any questions you do not understand. Figure out a study method and time that works for you. Early morning is the best time that I retain information the best, so I schedule most of my study sessions in that window. Keeping a balanced life when it comes to meals, getting enough sleep, and having some form of exercise, also plays a role in how well I do on tests and assignments.

Looking back, what is some advice you would give to your freshman self?
I would probably tell my freshman self that everyone is on their own journey. There is no need to be anxious or compare yourself to anybody else. You are unique, and God has a plan for your life. It is normal to struggle with your major, so use the resources around you to work through it and figure it out. Take each day as it comes, give it your best, submit your plans to God, and live an intentional life. Also, be kind.

If you could give an incoming freshman three tips on being successful in college, what would they be and why?
Firstly, get your priorities straight. For me, it's Jesus first, then everything else. My parents taught me this principle in my formative years, and it has served me well throughout my time in college. Secondly, make sure to build relationships. Make sure your time at Andrews University is not just filled with exceptional academic achievements, but balance it out with time spent building quality relationships with friends, university staff, and professors. These individuals will teach you great lessons that will allow you to live a full life. If the relationships are successful, you will have a great support system and people who can keep you accountable and help you in life, especially after college. Thirdly, take full advantage of the resources available to you. You could participate in clubs, research, worship, intramurals, mission trips, study tours (after COVID passes), etc. If you have space in your class schedule for more classes, take classes that interest you. Talk and interact with people who do not look or talk like you. If you are having mental health challenges or need help with your career, make sure to use the resources on campus. All of these opportunities will help you in various ways, but most importantly, you will get your tuition's worth.