Tobias Shongolo's Graduation Journey

Student Life in Eembaxu

For Tobias Shongolo, university life began not with certainty, but with hesitation, a young student stepping into a place he never imagined himself, and a journey that would quietly reshape his entire outlook. He graduated with a Bachelor of Communications from the NUST Eenhana Campus in Eembaxu, Ohangwena Region.

When he first arrived, Tobias admits he struggled to imagine himself in a village campus setting. “I honestly never imagined myself studying in a village setup,” he reflects. Like many students, he had envisioned city life, malls, and fast-paced surroundings. But Eembaxu became something different, and unexpected.

From the very beginning, small personal gestures shaped his experience, from the reassurance of the campus bus driver, Mr Gerson, to the support of staff such as Dr Shikulo and Ms Shilongo, who helped students adjust to a new environment.

Friendship, Growth, and Becoming

Despite the challenges of living in a remote area, particularly limited transport options, the community remained resilient and closely connected. To help address these difficulties, the University eventually introduced a bus system that eased transportation challenges. Moreover, some students moved into rented rooms in the village, where they developed independence, responsibility, and lifelong friendships through shared meals, late-night conversations, and walking one another home.

“We had struggles, but those struggles brought us together and made us stronger,” Tobias says. He also grew into leadership as SRC for Gender and Health, gaining confidence and exposure he never imagined before university.

Hesitation to Graduation

Like many students, his journey was marked by mistakes, financial struggles, and personal setbacks. It was also shaped by profound loss, including the passing of his father during his second year, just before examinations, but he persevered.

Today, as he prepares to graduate on Friday, Tobias reflects on a journey that began with hesitation and ends with gratitude.

For him, NUST Eenhana Campus became more than a place of study, it became home.