Kahari Rutendo Precious stood at the world’s edge, or at least it felt that way. The gentle breeze swept through her hair as she gazed at the vibrant cityscape of Alanya, Turkey. A far cry from the bustling streets of Harare, the coastal allure of her new city beckoned her to explore. As a third-year software engineering student at the Harare Institute of Technology, her participation in the Erasmus Plus programme has always been a dream tucked away in her heart. However, the reality has been more breathtaking than she’d ever imagined.
As a first-time flyer, the journey has been an adventure in itself. From the moment she stepped into the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare, the anticipation was palpable. Each leg of her multi-stop flight felt like a cinematic montage, showcasing a tapestry of cultures and landscapes that faded into one another. She marvelled at how her plane—an iron bird—soared over different countries, the cities and mountains below merging into whispers of something new, something vast and uncharted.
Upon landing at Antalya Airport, navigating her way through the crowd was thrilling yet daunting. She found herself scanning signs in Turkish, a language she barely understood, and stumbled through the unfamiliar sounds around her. “Merhaba,” she practiced softly under her breath. She wondered if the locals could hear the excitement and the slight tremor in her voice. Yet, with each step she took towards her new life, the apprehension melted away, replaced by an optimistic curiosity.
Alanya University has been everything she had hoped for and more. The moment she walked through the gates, a sensation of welcome washed over her. The campus was a vibrant mosaic of students from all around the globe, each with their own stories and dreams. She spent her days immersed in her software engineering classes, marveling at her professors who were not just experts in their fields but also passionate mentors willing to share their knowledge and provide invaluable insights. Their lectures were a blend of rigorous education and engaging discussions, pushing her to think critically and innovatively.
Outside the classroom walls, the cultural immersion has been an experience like no other. Alanya’s rich history, stunning architecture, and tantalizing cuisine offered her endless opportunities to learn. Every meal has been a delightful venture into tastes and aromas she’d never experienced before—sweet baklava and savory kebabs were now part of her daily life. She sought out local markets, where she practiced her Turkish numbers, and right there, amidst vibrant stalls of spices and handmade crafts, she felt a connection to the heart of this place.
Though she is still yet to explore many parts of the city, every weekend has brought promise. The beaches called out to her, with their golden sands and turquoise waters lapping gently at the shore, urging her to immerse herself in their beauty. She has made friends with fellow Erasmus students, and together, they have shared laughter and stories of their homes over cups of Turkish tea, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and shared experiences.
Amid the adventures, Kahari often takes time to reflect. She feels grateful to the Harare Institute of Technology for granting her this opportunity. This experience is not just about education; it is about growth and exploration, the kind that can only happen when you step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown.
As the sun dipped beyond the horizon each evening and painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Kahari penned her thoughts in a well-worn journal, a ritual she had adopted since arriving in Turkey. “I am where I am meant to be,” she wrote one evening, her heart echoing the sentiment. A journey of dreams was unfolding, and with each passing moment, she felt the mosaic of her life growing richer and more intricate, each piece contributing to a masterpiece under the vast Turkish sky.
And so, with every day that dawns, Kahari Rutendo Precious embraces her journey, knowing that this chapter at Alanya University is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure woven with both the past and an exciting future ahead.
