From Shy Start to Leader...

Overview: Tanatswanashe Lusiyano reflects on how Bryden’s nurturing environment transformed him from a shy young boy into a confident leader, setting him on a path to become Head Boy at St. George’s College.

Images: Tanatswanashe Lusiyano

Tanatswanashe Lusiyano

I started learning at Bryden Country School in 2011 as a shy, frail, underperforming Grade 2 student who could have been brighter and more athletic. I remember sitting in Mrs. Kaye's class wondering how I would make friends and consequently thought of home, as it was my first time in boarding school, so far away from home. I recall going to assembly the morning I arrived and wondering how I would get through it all after seeing the tall and robust grade sevens that stood behind us.

I survived. This is mainly because of the Bryden family and the Chegutu community. The teachers and pupils welcomed me well by creating a relaxed and homely atmosphere which allows students to make mistakes without fear and creates an environment that makes them feel safe and forget about home. This allowed my confidence to grow, giving me a platform to make mistakes in the classroom, in the sports field, and in Hostel and constructively learn from them. Lessons were fun and engaging, and the small classes helped with that- everyone could participate and contribute without feeling left out. Playing sports was mandatory, which exposed me to several sports. This exposure was beneficial when I got to high school, as I had a wide range of sports to choose from to specify in.

My senior years at Bryden were the most beneficial. They taught us how to take responsibility by being assigned specific duties in the Hostel and Dining Hall and break time and lunchtime duties. We learned to be tenacious and competitive while remaining courteous. Having an enormous classroom workload whilst participating in many sports events helped us develop a critical skill, time management. These skills formed the basis for me to take to high school and eventually become the head boy of St. George's College.

After cultivating these qualities, I enrolled in St. George's College after encountering some of their students and noticing how they held themselves with pride and spoke with assurance whilst exhibiting remarkable manners- acknowledging everyone on their route. I saw their passion for supporting their school sports teams on the weekends, so I wanted to be amongst them. St. George’s College is an exceptional high school for adolescents endeavouring to be nearer to God and nature thanks to its all-encompassing Jesuit ethics that creates individuals who are in contact with the world to serve others.

I thank Bryden for laying the cornerstone of the complete individual I am now.