The Words I Carried With Me

By Ruth Nelly Musungwa | BSc Environmental Disaster Risk Management and Resilience

That moment just before the journey begins is forever etched in my heart. I remember finishing packing my bags, carefully folding away the familiar pieces of home that I thought would somehow make the transition easier. My suitcase was ready, but my mind was restless, caught between excitement and uncertainty.

My parents then called me into the dining room. My siblings were already seated, and the atmosphere felt different — quieter, heavier, almost sacred. It was one of those moments where everyone understands that something significant is about to unfold. My father looked at me with a seriousness I had rarely seen before and spoke words that would stay with me long after I left home.

He reminded me that going to university was bigger than just me. He told me that I carried the pride of my family. He made it clear that my journey represented more than personal ambition; it carried shared hopes, sacrifices, and belief. In that moment, my dreams no longer felt like mine alone.

Those words became my anchor throughout my first year. On the difficult days, when the workload felt overwhelming and self-doubt crept in, they steadied me. They grounded me. They reminded me why I had started. I began to understand that my journey was woven together with the hopes of those who believed in me.

Now in Level 2.1, those same words feel different. They no longer feel like pressure. They feel like strength. They feel like fuel. They push me forward and remind me how far I have come.

Every student arrives at university with a story. Every journey begins with words that linger long after the farewell.

To my fellow students, I ask this: What words did your parents, guardians, or loved ones share with you as you left for your first year at MSU?

To the incoming Class of 2026, I ask this: As you prepare for orientation on 16 February 2026, what guidance are you carrying with you into this new chapter?

Because the truth is simple. 

You are not just starting a degree. You are carrying forward a story.