Cathy

Cathy awarded $5000 in research funds

There's a saying that a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step, and although mine started years ago, it only feels like it's beginning now — probably because it's taken a new direction.

Duke University is one of the best universities in the world, with a diverse student body, distinguished professors, and immense resources. I'm surrounded by brilliant students, all multi-talented and unique — and I'm one of them. Sometimes, I find it hard to believe I'm here.

This always reminds me that I'm here for a reason: I have the opportunity to contribute to my community, make more connections, excel in my education, and make new friends and family amongst my peers and professors.

So far, my experience at Duke has been exposing, adventurous, and full of surprises. I've met new people and encountered new cultures, seeing the world through a different lens and space. At first, everything was so overwhelming, but after some time, I adapted and got curious, which gave way to a lot of opportunities. If I hadn't passed through Our Moon before coming to the United States, I wouldn't have the skills, knowledge, and discipline to thrive in a foreign country. Our Moon also helped me find the Mufalos, my host family, who've helped me a lot. They regularly check up on me to see if there's anything I need, and advise me on issues with my academics — they're like my family away from home.

"Duke University is one of the best universities in the world, with a diverse student body, distinguished professors, and immense resources. I'm surrounded by brilliant students, all multi-talented and unique — and I'm one of them."

While I was certain I wanted to be an environmental science major, I've taken full advantage of the liberal arts curriculum at Duke, exploring social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, literature, and the arts. While on these courses, I encountered two professors whose work sparked my interest, and eventually got the opportunity to work alongside them as a research assistant in Environmental Justice and the Global Politics of Climate Change.

My work with my professors unlocked even more opportunities, as I was awarded the Kenan Institute Summer Fellows Award of $5000 to do a research project of my choice. I chose to research an area close to where I grew up — Lusaka's largest landfill, the Chunga Dumpsite. Here, half of Lusaka's waste is dumped and incinerated, causing different types of pollution in the surrounding residences, notably toxic fumes.

My first year at Duke has been amazing, and I'm excited to get stuck in on this amazing project back home. I'm also happy that I'll have time to spend with my family and friends, and cannot wait to go back and visit Our Moon, the place of opportunities, memories, and amazing people.