At just 18, Tanatswa had already built a remarkable legacy at Lake Land College. A psychology major from Zimbabwe, she was deeply involved in student life, serving as a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), a reporter and social media manager for The Navigator News, a Lake Land College cheerleader, and a member of the Student Activity Board (SAB). She also actively participated in several clubs, volunteered for numerous activities, and even worked on campus.
But despite her achievements and deep ties to the college, she was forced to leave—her student visa was terminated after she was unable to pay her tuition fees. Now back in Zimbabwe, Tanatswa reflects on her journey, the challenges she faced, and her hopes for the future.
For Tanatswa, studying psychology wasn’t just a career choice—it was a mission. “Mental health in Zimbabwe isn’t as developed, and I wanted to be part of the change. The U.S. is the best place to study psychology, so it was the perfect place to start,” she shared.
To immerse herself in American culture and stay engaged, she joined multiple student organizations. “I got involved in student organizations to help me learn about American culture, stay engaged, and not miss home as much,” she said. Her dedication led her to take on leadership roles in SGA, SAB and The Navigator, where she thrived.
Some of her most memorable moments include writing for The Navigator’s Staff Spotlight section, interviewing students about their journeys, and organizing campus events with SAB. She also found inspiration in leadership training through the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), applying those skills in SGA.
How did she manage to juggle it all? “I’m pretty hyper and have a lot of energy to spare, so I managed to juggle everything by staying active and motivated,” she laughed. More than anything, it was the people that made Lake Land special for her. “The support and sense of community made it feel like home.”
Despite her strong connections and dedication, Tanatswa’s education was cut short when financial barriers prevented her from registering for the spring semester. “I realized I might not be able to continue when I wasn’t able to pay off my tuition balance,” she explained.
Leaving the U.S. was painful. “I was sad because Illinois feels like home, too, but I’m happy to be with family at this time. I didn’t want to leave this way,” she admitted. The hardest part was saying goodbye to the friends and faculty who had become her family.
Throughout the ordeal, she received emotional support from friends and professors who encouraged her. But looking back, she wishes she had asked for financial help sooner. “Ask for help sooner, even if you’re confident you’ve got this. Many people are willing to help—you just have to ask! I got a lot of lectures: ‘Why didn’t you tell us sooner? We could have figured it out!’”
Since returning home, Tanatswa has been adjusting to a different pace of life and exploring her next steps. “It’s been an adjustment. I’m back home trying to figure out my next steps,” she shared. She remains committed to her dream of becoming a psychologist and is actively looking for ways to continue her education. “This experience has made me appreciate education even more and realize how financial struggles can limit opportunities.”
Despite the setback, she remains hopeful. “I still hope to return to the U.S. to complete my studies. I was close to graduating, so I’m looking forward to walking on commencement someday.
Tanatswa’s time at Lake Land left a lasting impression on her, and she carries the memories of her time there with deep gratitude. “I’m grateful to everyone who was part of my journey. Thank you for the memories, support, and friendships—I miss you all!”
Her story is a reminder of the resilience of international students and the challenges they face in pursuit of education. While her time at Lake Land ended sooner than expected her impact on the college community will not be forgotten.
