From Graduate to Fellow: Tessa Dube

My name is Tessa Anashe Dube, and I am 25 years old. In 2024, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Theatre Arts. While graduation marked the end of one chapter, it also opened the door to a new and life-changing journey. In January 2025, I joined the Teach For Zimbabwe Fellowship and was placed at Zororai Secondary School in Chivi District. Little did I know that this experience would transform not only my students’ lives but also my own in ways I had never imagined.

I joined Teach For Zimbabwe because I believed in the vision that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. I was inspired by the commitment of Zimbabwean educators who work tirelessly to ensure that education remains a tool for empowerment and opportunity for all. This vision became the driving force behind my desire to make a meaningful impact in my community.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

When I began the fellowship, I thought teaching would be easy. However, I quickly discovered that it required much more than subject knowledge and enthusiasm. One of the first lessons I learned was patience. Teaching taught me that meaningful change does not happen overnight and that every day presents an opportunity to grow, improve, and make a difference. I came to understand that success is built through consistent effort, deliberate choices, and a positive mindset.

The journey was not without challenges. As a new teacher, I had to earn the trust and acceptance of both the school community and my students. Over time, through persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn, I built strong relationships with them. My students began to appreciate my teaching methods, and together we started achieving remarkable results.

Inspiring Excellence Through Drama

One of my proudest accomplishments has been working with students in drama. Through teamwork, discipline, and countless hours of preparation, Zororai Secondary School emerged as champions at both the zonal and district drama competitions. Watching my students perform with confidence and excellence was one of the most rewarding moments of my teaching journey.

As I write this, my students are preparing to compete once again at the zonal level, and we are looking forward to the opportunity with great excitement and determination. Before we traveled to the district competitions, I gathered them together and shared a heartfelt message.

I told them, “When we arrive in Chivi, you will see students who traveled in large school buses, while we came in a small hired minibus. But that should never discourage you. The opportunities available to students in cities are the same opportunities available to you. Your circumstances do not define your potential. There are no excuses in life when you are determined to succeed.”

I wanted them to understand that confidence, hard work, and belief in themselves matter more than the resources they have. That message resonated deeply with them, and they performed beyond expectations. We are now eagerly preparing for the provincial competitions scheduled for June 29, 2026, where we hope to continue representing our school with pride and excellence.

A Journey of Personal Transformation

Beyond the achievements in the classroom and on the stage, this fellowship has personally transformed me. For many years, I struggled with my weight and self-confidence. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been a challenge since childhood. However, my experience in the Teach For Zimbabwe Fellowship encouraged me to be kinder to myself and to prioritize my well-being.

Between April 2025 and December 2025, I lost 27 kilograms, going from 107 kg to 80 kg.This transformation was about more than physical appearance. It was about developing self-discipline, self-respect, and a healthier relationship with myself. Today, I feel more confident, I dress better, I eat healthier, and most importantly, I feel better both physically and emotionally.

Looking back, I realize that the Teach For Zimbabwe Fellowship has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. It has taught me patience, resilience, and the power of believing in others. It has shown me that true transformation happens when we challenge ourselves to grow and when we invest in the potential of those around us. As I continue this journey, I remain committed to empowering young people, creating opportunities for them to succeed, and proving that no dream is too big, regardless of where you come from.