Journaling My Professional Education: Chapter 2 - The Journalism College Years

First Day at School

Stepping into the Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA) in Harare felt like embarking on a new path, one that would shape my life in unexpected ways. I was stepping away from my foundational studies in tourism and toward a field that was raw, real, and powerful. Journalism, I quickly realized, wasn’t just about reporting the facts—it was about understanding people and communities, and about finding the courage to speak truth in a world that often resists it.

The curriculum covered everything from reporting basics to media ethics, and each day brought something new. Our lecturers were a mixture of seasoned journalists and younger professionals who had recently been on the frontlines. They told us stories from their careers, sharing hard-earned wisdom and sometimes shocking tales from the field. These lessons went beyond theory, grounding us in what it actually meant to be a journalist in a fast-changing world.

Reviving the Press Club and Fostering Engagement

My time at CCOSA was more than just attending lectures and submitting assignments. Early on, a few classmates and I saw an opportunity to revive the college’s dormant Press Club. This club, once a vibrant space for aspiring journalists, had been inactive for years. Determined to bring it back to life, I ran for—and was elected as—the club’s first president since its reestablishment. Under my leadership, we transformed the club into a space where students could connect with the world beyond our college walls.

One of the highlights of my tenure was hosting prominent figures, including Dr. Simba Makoni, a respected politician and business leader. His visit, and others like it, offered us students a glimpse of the media’s role in public life. Engaging with figures of his stature gave us firsthand insight into the workings of both media and governance, teaching us to ask thoughtful questions, consider multiple perspectives, and handle the realities of reporting on complex issues.

Launching the CCOSA Newsletter - Hands-on Experience

Another milestone came with the introduction of a publication I helped create, called the CCOSA Times. This publication was born out of a need for more hands-on experience—an opportunity to practice our skills in a real-world format. We reached out to the Media Institute of Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, who agreed to support us with the printing and distribution of our newsletter. Seeing the publication take shape, from idea to printed copies, was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my college journey. It showed me the importance of teamwork, persistence, and the power of having a platform to share stories that mattered to us.

For each issue, I worked closely with my peers - and our director who was the editor - to write, edit, and refine articles on topics we cared about. From local campus stories to broader societal issues, the CCOSA Times gave us the experience of running a newsroom, learning to meet deadlines, and collaborating with others to bring a shared vision to life.

Recognized for Initiative – An Internship Opportunity

My active participation in college activities led to an unexpected reward. One afternoon, as I was leaving for the day, I got a call from the secretary of our college director. She asked me to return because the director wanted to see me. As I stood in his office, he shared that a major media institution had reached out, looking for a male intern. Because he was new to the college, he’d asked around to get a sense of who might be a good fit—and my name kept coming up.

In that moment, all the time I’d dedicated to college initiatives, from the Press Club to the CCOSA Times, felt validated. When he offered me the internship, I accepted immediately. It felt like a defining moment, the chance to step into the professional world.

Lessons in Resilience and Responsibility

The journey at CCOSA wasn’t without its challenges. We often had to work with limited resources, a situation that taught us creativity and resilience. Journalism wasn’t simply about delivering stories; it required finding innovative ways to tell those stories despite constraints. And in a context where press freedom was nuanced, we learned early on to balance responsibility with courage, crafting narratives that were truthful yet sensitive to our environment.

By the time I graduated, I felt a profound sense of purpose and readiness. I left CCOSA with more than just academic knowledge; I carried with me the experiences of leadership, collaboration, and the support of those who believed in me. My time at journalism college didn’t just prepare me for a job—it instilled in me a commitment to a profession where every story is a chance to make a difference.