Zimbabwe Native Comes to BC for Better Future

Zimbabwe native Tanaka Rushwaya came to the United States in 2016 looking for a better. He started that journey at Bluefield College as a student and a member of the men’s tennis team.

“When I got here, my expectations were based on movies,” said Rushwaya. “In some way this was kind of good. I think attending a Christian college made my transition easy for me as everyone was so kind and helpful.”

Rushwaya also recalls that when he first came to the United States Zimbabwe was in the middle of elections and a significant time of change, considering his country has been ruled by one person for 37 years.

“During the first weeks (on the BC campus) people would ask me random questions, such as ‘Is Africa all jungle?” or “Have you ever wrestled a lion?’ People had lots of questions since I was one of the first few Africans to attend Bluefield College,” Rushwaya said.

Rushwaya also said the biggest cultural difference he has noticed is the freedom of speech allowed in America versus that of his native country. In Zimbabwe, he said, people are restricted in what they are allowed to say. In the U.S., he added, people are able to express themselves. Despite the differences, he said he still misses his home. Since coming to Bluefield, he has returned home just once last summer.

“I would love to go home every holiday, but it is too expensive,” Rushwaya said. “I do plan to go and settle back home after a few years of work experience (in America).”

Now a rising senior, Rushwaya is majoring in business accounting at Bluefield College and minoring in information technology (IT). His plans are to pursue a career as a certified public accountant (CPA) after graduation. In his spare time, he wants to be a tennis coach. In addition to being a member of the Rams tennis team, Rushwaya runs cross-country for BC.

“If I’m not in class or on the tennis court, I’m usually in the SAC (Student Activities Center) playing ping-pong or just talking to people” he said.

While at BC, Rushwaya has also served as a tutor and a member of the Black Student Alliance. In addition, he has been a recipient of two scholar-athlete awards and the inaugural Argo International Scholarship.

“What I like most about Bluefield College is the people,” he said, “the students and faculty. They make this place feel like home.”