Blessing Tupiri
What's your name?
Blessing Tupiri
Where are you from?
Harare, Zimbabwe
What are you studying?
I'm majoring in Pre-professional Biology with a minor in Sports Performance.
Where are you living at McKendree?
McKendree West
What do you like to do?
Play soccer, listen to different genres of music, cook, hear people’s life stories.
Why did you decide to study in the U.S.?
I knew that the U.S. college system was a little different in that even if I did not know exactly what I wanted to do, I could figure it out along the way. The variety of courses I have taken broadened my peripherals and helped me choose a career path. Many say that America is the land of opportunity and I came to find that out for myself. It was a personal challenge to study in a country in which I had no family or friends. I wanted to start a new chapter in life. I am very interested in cultures from all over the world and I recognize that America would be the best place to expose myself to most of them.
Why did you choose McKendree University?
I chose McKendree University because the smaller classes offer a more comprehensive and conducive learning environment.
What do you think of McKendree University?
When I first stepped on campus, McKendree immediately appealed to me as a place I
could meet people easily and flourish as part of the community.
What's one of the best things about McKendree University?
Not only do I get to know who my professors are, but my professors get to know who I am as an individual, and in this day and age, that’s what counts the most. I am sure the relationships I am forging will prove to be priceless one day. I enjoy playing soccer here because my coaches and teammates are so friendly and welcoming.
What was your prior school experience?
I went to high school for six years in boarding school 400 miles from home. I grew
accustomed to fending for myself there, so coming to McKendree was a bigger challenge
I wanted to take on. I was involved in a lot of social groups at school that taught
and encouraged diversity which influenced my desire to venture out of Southern Africa.
I played many sports in high school and I am grateful for the opportunity I have been
afforded to play soccer (football for me) for McKendree University. I have been to
Brazil on a soccer tour as a way to see how people from different worlds play the
same sport. I love to travel and experience different cultures.
Are you the first in your family to attend a college or University?
I am the first person in my extended family to attend college immediately after high school. Everyone else took courses after they were in the working class. No one in my family has been to America.
How do you plan to make your mark on the world?
The sporting world is on the rise, even more so in developing countries. I plan to get involved in building dreams of athletes back home.
Contact International Admission
International Admission Counselor
(618) 537-6400 or +1-618-537-6400
