The morning of Monday the 18th was cool as winter is fast approaching. The dining hall was arranged in preparation for chapel to accommodate all day scholars as well as members of staff. The topic was Positive Thinking, which was ideal as a new term usually begins with new plans and strategies of how to study better. Also, student transcripts of the previous term were due and if a student feels unhappy about their performance, that could easily bring a student to feeling worthless as they drain themselves in negative thoughts.
Dr. Moffat Zimba shared and started the event by cheerfully welcoming the audience and giving a prayer. And as he usually does from time to time, he engaged his audience into a discussion of what positive thinking entailed. He talked about the power of positive thinking in relation to our environment, our relationships and our health. He gave examples such as how our first president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, implemented policies and laws that helped build Zambia’s infrastructure. Such ideas, he said, positive and unfortunately even negative ones, could out-live the thinker if carefully nurtured. He also pointed out that generally, nobody wanted to be around someone who was a perpetual negative thinker. And in relation to our health, he said negative thoughts do not only affect our frame of mind but also our physical health. Positive thoughts, however, retain the opposite effect.
Chapel ended on a good note with a recap of the session by the students. An ending prayer and announcements for the day were given. The experience of chapel at Northrise on every Monday is always enriching because God always has something special, something for each one of us to relate with as we begin the week and indeed in this case as we begin the second term. I see the faces of most of the students full of the knowledge that has been shared on this Monday morning and God’s hand is upon Northrise as we begin this second term.
Monday the 11th was the first day of school for the 2nd term at Northrise University. Most of the students seem eager to be in school as they interact with friends and talk about their break, and also mention their regret of having rested two weeks only. Most of them look prepared with bags, books and pens as they got over this term’s course time table on the notice board.
With Northrise University, back to school means back to business. Lectures started as soon as school reopened. We, the first year students, however, began our classes two days later which meant we had some time to get settled, interact with the new students (yes! Northrise received about 15 new students) and plan for term 2. One of the new students, Jemimah Mbokoshi, studying Bachelor of Business Administration, says “it is no surprise! I just came in this term and I have already been incorporated into the system. The lectures are easy to understand.” With a smile she adds “…well… as for Algebra, the lecturer is a little fast for me but I hope to catch up as we move on.”
Another first year student Chris Muleya studying Bachelor of Information Technology says this about our first English Literature class on Friday, “I like the lecture. The students are also very friendly and helpful!” The class tended to have a serious atmosphere every now and then. Other moments, however, were not as tense since Literature, I feel, is a subject that should be taught with actions. Our lecturer, Mrs. Jacqueline Katanga portrayed jus that during the lecture. At one point, her face tightened as her lips pressed hard together trying to dramatize an angry mood. And as she tried to illustrate a bright and ecstatic moment, her face brightened in a smile. I found her illustrations dramatic and easy to understand. And I expect more from the course by the end of 12 weeks.
It’s a new term, and everyone seems to be settling in well. The library is open and the students are already wrestling with assignments and exams. Nothing much has changed except this new young lady usually on a computer in the library. I get curious about her presence, so I approach her.
Her name is Chanda Phiri an intern from our state University (the University of Zambia). I get even more interested because having an intern is new for NU.
Why Northrise University? She explains to me that the spark that comes with running a private University led her to choosing Northrise. She wanted to have a feel of how things are generally run.
In the short time that she has worked here, she is highly impressed with how well organized the library is and how friendly and cooperative the students are. Overall, she looks forward to what she will walk away with from her attachment experience at Northrise.
Students who graduated on the 25 of April 2009 were glad that God had led them to Northrise University to study what He had put on their hearts. They appreciated the fact that Northrise University partners and those who sponsor students, played a cardinal role in their success.
It was no easy road for most of them but through hard work and dedication they have realized a long life dream. Hope is ablaze in their lives ever since they set foot on Northrise.
Being a Library Associate is cooler than most people think. My name is Pimpa Simasiku a graduate of Northrise and now the Associate Librarian. My job involves much more work than most people imagine. During the terms, library work is normal business as usual, but I find that at the beginning and end of every term there is more mental and man power required. Not forgetting a bit of patience, breakfast and lunchJ. I am not complaining, I love it. It is good exercise for me.
Warning: do not forget to say ‘please’ the next time you need the librarian to attend to you.
(25th April, 2009)
The 4th Graduation ceremony was held at the Savoy Hotel in Ndola (right opposite Northrise University). This year it was an extra special event as it was the first cycle of students graduating with degrees.
An occasion for celebration graced with the presence of the Ndola mayor, the event began with a number of praise songs by the choir. After the opening prayer, the academic procession strode in, proudly wearing black gowns and other various pieces of coloured garments that go with the schools they represented. The National Anthem was sung shortly after before anyone took their sit.
Dr Moffat Zimba, the University president, had a difficult time keeping the pride and joy out of his voice (not that he made any obvious attempt to) as he gave his welcome address. He happily pointed out the recent notable achievements of previous graduates who where now making Northrise proud.
He was then joined on stage by Mr David Cheatham and Mrs Doreen Zimba, the vice president of the University, for the certification of the graduates, fourteen in all. Mrs Zimba, positively glowing, then presented the new graduates to the chancellor and all present. Her face continued to beam as a slideshow of all the graduates, which the Master of Ceremonies insisted contained mischievous photographs of student life at Northrise, began to show.
One of the graduates, Mrs. Alice Simutowe, then gave a valedictory address alive with the hurdles and struggles leading up to their achievement. She was quick to thank sponsors, donors and all those who rendered support to Northrise University and made their graduation possible. She was followed by the guest of honour, Mr Dave Cheatham, who gave his address for the occasion. This being his sixth visit to Zambia, he recounted how his journey with Northrise University had started and how his friendship had grown ever since. “All I wanted to do was sign a cheque; I never thought I’d one day be making this speech.” Thes were Mr. Cheatham’s exact words.
An all-smiles affair was aptly ended by an address delivered with a smile that could not have grown any wider. Dr. Zimba again assumed the podium and all but embraced the new graduates in a big collective hug as he addressed them one last time charging them with the duty to be envoys of Northrise University and above all God Almighty.
The future looks bright and the present is already sparkling. The choir led the procession out with another praise song marking the end of the ceremony.
The excitment was overpowering. The joy evident in the face of this mother. Ms Monga is the mother to Banji and Pimpa Simasku, both children where graduating with a degree in Information Technology after four years of study at northrise university. The graduation ceremony was held at the Savoy Hotel in Ndola on the 25 of April 2009. It was an event that honored those who managed to make it through the rigourous and quality enriching Northrise University curriculum.
The beaming face of Ms Monga tells it all. The smile rediates the hope that Northrise is spreading through Ndola and indeed through our country zambia.
My name is Banji, one of the Bachelor of Information Technology graduates from Northrise University (2009). Who would have thought I actually could- (maybe myself at one point or other) – but it sure does feel different from the feeling I thought it would be like.
Graduating gives an awesome feeling that every person should have a chance to experience. As a person, I feel like it has added so much value to my life, and intellectual successes. I feel like a champion.
Studying is not the end for me as I want to have another degree but this time in Buisness Administration. Who knows, I may do more degrees and MBAs.. It gives you the feeling that you have achieved something that most people do not believe you’re capable of achieving. Im an achiever!
I come from Ndola located on the Copperbelt province in Zambia. My main hobby is watching television, reading books and swimming. As a Northrise student I hope to help others attain a good education, especially those who don’t have the means to do so.
