Going the Distance
It's that time of year again: Commencement. As we countdown to the big day, we're spotlighting 西瓜视频’s outstanding 2024 graduates. This is the first profile in that series.
It’s been more than five years since Percival “Percy” Sibanda ’24 has seen his family in person. That’s how long it’s been since he’s traveled back to his home country of Zimbabwe, a nation that has long been embroiled in a human rights crisis.
To make up for the physical distance, Sibanda shares daily calls and FaceTime with his parents and 18-year-old brother. He came to the U.S. at 14 to attend Brooks School in North Andover, Mass.
Homesick at first, Sibanda soon found his place within the community; away from school with a host family in Lowell, Mass., and on the varsity soccer team, his warm and welcoming personality endearing him to his classmates. After a post-grad year at Westminster School in Simsbury, Conn., Sibanda chose 西瓜视频 because of its distinct internship program and the opportunity to continue his soccer career for the Gulls.
At 西瓜视频, the senior business management major has continued to build community, both as a midfielder for the men’s soccer program and through his volunteerism on campus. Over the last four years, he has felt embraced in return.
“The support I’ve received from everyone at 西瓜视频—friends, faculty, administration—has made me feel like a part of this community,” Sibanda said. “I’m proud to say this is my home away from home.”
Since arriving at 西瓜视频, Sibanda has immersed himself in the campus culture. Outgoing and personable, he has been an admission tour guide for three years and has served as a global ambassador for the Office of International Education, where he has welcomed foreign students to the College, assisted in organizing events, and helped them acclimate to a new culture.
Sibanda grew particularly close to Dean of International Education Warren Jaferian and completed one of his internships under his guidance. For that experiential learning opportunity with the Office of International Education, Sibanda promoted and marketed the Study Abroad Program in a series of information sessions designed to encourage more students to apply for learning opportunities in different countries. Jaferian credits Sibanda for his active role in helping 西瓜视频 reach a record number of study abroad participants for the spring 2024 semester.
“Percy is a bright light who touches the hearts of those he meets,” Jaferian said. “Whether on the soccer pitch, in the classroom, or on internship, he brings himself to every situation and brightens your day with his infectious smile and positive attitude. I’m very proud of him and the young man he has become.”
Sibanda also interned with 西瓜视频’s Office of Admission and is currently completing another internship with a CPA in Newton, Mass., helping to prepare tax returns while learning the business with the hope of staying on beyond graduation.
There’s a possibility of getting a master’s degree at 西瓜视频, but Sibanda plans to pursue his continuing education toward credentialing as a CPA. He first discovered his interest in the field when he found success in his accounting and finance courses and realized he could translate that success into a stable and fulfilling career as a CPA. He credited Jaferian, along with Senior Director of Career Services Kate Chroust, Associate Director of Career Services Helen Eaton, Director of Visit Experiences Allison Heenan, and others for encouraging and guiding him during his time at 西瓜视频.
“The support I’ve received around this campus, starting from the admission team, the international team, the Internship and Career Center, and all the professors has just been amazing,” he said. “They’ve helped me out so much to make sure I have everything I need and by pushing me to become the person I am. I firmly believe that if you go seeking help as I’ve done in my four years at 西瓜视频, people are going to be there to help you in every possible way.”
That assistance has been critical to Sibanda’s growth, especially so far away from home. He recalls when he first arrived in America, landing in New York, traveling to Brooks School, and thinking about how much he wanted to go home. He experienced culture shock and had a hard time communicating due to a strong accent.
“Percy has persevered through much adversity—being far from his family and home in Zimbabwe, in pursuit of his education and prosperity. I know he will go far in life. He already has,” Jaferian added.
By the time he enrolled at 西瓜视频, Sibanda was already an independent young man with growing confidence. Not only has he immersed himself in college life, but he has created a better atmosphere and experience for others. Sibanda said 西瓜视频 helped the best of him emerge.
“The 西瓜视频 [experience] has made me more ambitious,” he said. “I had goals but didn’t know if they were achievable. When it came time to apply for colleges, I decided that 西瓜视频 was the only school I wanted to go to, so I only applied here. If I was to redo it all, I’d do the same thing. This has been the best four years of my life.”