Gutu Makes Great Sacrifices to Pursues His Passion at Bluefield College

Bluefield College student-athlete Michael Gutu is enduring the sacrifice of leaving his family behind in order to pursue his passion. Like many international students, Gutu is taking advantage of the opportunity to study a thousand miles away from home to play collegiate sports.

“It has always been my dream to continue my education while following my tennis career,” said Gutu, who came to Bluefield College from Harare, Zimbabwe.

Gutu says his grandmother was a big influence on the person he wants to become. In fact, before he was born, his grandmother was told “she was going to have a son,” but she had only one female child, Gutu’s mother. So, she considers him “the son she never had,” said Gutu.

“My grandma would tell me I was going to be someone great,” he said. “I’ve always tried to achieve greatness in every way that I can. That’s one of my objectives in life, to make her proud of me.”

With a competitive mind and a sense of protection over his family, Gutu compares himself to a lion, “conquering every aspect of (his) life” and “always trying to do what is best for (his) family.”

For international students, going back home is financially challenging. Gutu tries to see his family at least once a year, but he knows there will be a time where it will not be possible.

Last December, about to finish his freshman year and without any expectation of going back home, Gutu received one of the best things he could have ever asked for.

“Some of my friends made a surprise gift for me and paid for my ticket (home),” said Gutu.

It was actually the perfect time for him to return home because he was able to see his new baby brother and his grandmother, who recently suffered a stroke.

Gutu said he thanks God for all the opportunities and friendships he has made since beginning his journey in the United States.

“I trust God in everything that I do,” he said, “Without Him, I wouldn’t be here.”

And with that trust in God, Gutu said he plans to keep working hard and trusting the process. He said he does not expect to receive anything in life “on a silver platter.” Dedication and perseverance toward achieving his vision are what he does best.

“I’ll keep on working hard,” he said, “and I’ll keep on being me.”