Tawanda Mberikwazvo
Graduation year: 2017
Majors: Multimedia journalism and mass communication, communication studies
Activities: WAUG student-run radio station and Augustana Observer student newspaper
Internships: Augustana’s Fresh Films and WMWC-TV in Galesburg, Ill.
Post-grad plans: Still finalizing the paperwork; either work for a year using my OPT or continue on with grad school
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because I felt at home during my first school tour in March 2015. Special thanks to Liz Nino, Bonnie Jesse and William Fabian for the warm welcome during that tour. That welcome immensely contributed to my decision to become part of the Augie family.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
Yes I am, but I’m more equipped than I ever expected.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
First, I believe it's God who placed different individuals in my life so as to help me out throughout my college journey. Family, friends, professors and the college—the list is endless. And I am forever grateful.
A peak experience?
My peak experience was in the summer of 2016 when I interned with Augustana’s Fresh Films and traveled to different cities throughout the U.S., and also my other internship with WMWC-TV in Galesburg, Ill. My two internships equipped me with exceptional hands-on experience in multimedia, TV broadcasting and engineering. Many thanks to the CORE Office for the availability of these internships.
What surprised you?
I learned that I am more resilient to life’s pressures than I thought.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used Augie Choice for my two summer internships.
What will you miss the most?
I’ll miss everyone with whom I had day-to-day interaction, on and off campus. Especially my advisors, professors and work supervisors. Reason being, they consciously or unconsciously helped me out during my time at Augie.
Advice for the Class of 2021?
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Know that you’re worthy, work hard and aim to change the world positively.
“Tawanda exudes sincerity, kindness and compassion. He is a natural teacher and mentor. As a multimedia journalism & mass communication and communication studies double major, Tawanda has refined his skills in visual journalism and video production and editing. He takes advantage of opportunities to grow and works tirelessly to succeed. Tawanda is a rare and gentle soul whose goals transcend traditional measures of success. He plans to use what he has learned at Augustana to create educational television programming for orphans who cannot attend school in his home country of Zimbabwe. Quite simply, Tawanda inspires me to be a better person.”