Things I Wish I Knew Before University: A Love Letter to My Younger Self

Things I Wish I Knew Before University: A Love Letter to My Younger Self

Let’s rewind the clock a little—back to the moment when A-Level results come out in Zimbabwe. That bittersweet moment when the family group chat starts buzzing, aunties call to "congratulate" you, and somehow everyone becomes a career advisor overnight.

“You should do Law, you’re so articulate.”

“Engineering is the future.”

“Go into Medicine, it will make us proud.”

Sound familiar?

In high school, we had something called Guidance and Counselling. In theory, it was supposed to help us figure out life after school. In reality? It was often a subtle (or not-so-subtle) exercise in steering us into careers that made sense to everyone else but us. I wish someone had stood in front of the class and said, “Hey, it’s okay to not want to be a doctor. It’s okay if accounting makes you want to nap. Do what you love—even if no one understands it yet.”

But no one said that.

Instead, they handed us big dreams that weren’t ours, decorated with expectations and sprinkled with societal approval. Some of us, myself included, picked degrees based on what sounded respectable. Because who doesn’t want to hear, “Oh wow, she’s doing her Master’s”? It strokes the ego, yes—but what about the soul?

Real talk? I wish I chose what I love.

Hear me out—I don’t regret becoming an educator. I love my students, the lessons, the learning. But deep down, my heart beats for fashion. For art. For creating, curating, and storytelling through style. Sometimes I envy this generation—bold and unafraid. They’re out here becoming digital nomads, content creators, fashion influencers, and making serious moves. They’re breaking the mold. Doing what we were too scared to even dream of. And thriving!

Who knew content creation would become a full-time job? That brands would pay for TikToks and Reels? That fashion styling could land you campaigns and change lives?

If I could whisper to my 18-year-old self, I’d say:

“Choose what sets your soul on fire. Unapologetically.”

Don’t let the community live vicariously through your career. Don’t let the fear of disappointing your parents overshadow your dreams. Yes, they love you. Yes, they want the best for you. But the best is not always the most traditional. I wish someone told me it’s okay to question the status quo. That university degrees are great, but they don’t define your worth—or your happiness.

Honestly? Some degree programmes need to be scrapped. The world is changing, and so should education. The careers we were told to chase are evolving, and some are fading into irrelevance. Meanwhile, the things we were told were “hobbies” are turning into empires.

So, to the next generation:

Live loudly. Live freely. Live unapologetically.

Don’t let society convince you to shrink. Don’t try to prove a point to people who won’t even clap for you when you win. And most importantly? Give it to God. Let Him show you the path, even if it looks wildly different from what you imagined.

We may not have had all the answers then—but at least now, we have this platform.

To speak.

To share.

To remind others that it’s okay to dream differently.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson