Reflections of Excellence: IUM Class of 2025 Shares Their Journey

By Frieda Jona

The journey to graduation is never just about textbooks and deadlines, it is about growth, perseverance, and the moments that shape us. As the International University of Management (IUM) proudly celebrated its Class of 2025, Campus Connect (CC) invited graduates to reflect on the milestones that defined their academic path. From personal breakthroughs to professional triumphs, each story reveals a unique perspective on what achievement truly means.

Each graduate shared a unique reflection: the lessons they learned, the goals they reached, and the experiences that shaped them along the way. From academic breakthroughs to personal milestones, their voices reveal what achievement truly looks like, not just in grades, but in growth, resilience, and purpose.

This feature brings together their words and portraits, capturing the spirit of a class that did not just finish,  they evolved, they persevered, and they made it. Their reflections remind us that success is personal, powerful, and worth celebrating.

Ndinelao Haindongo

“My academic journey at IUM from 2021 to May 2025 was marked by growth, discipline, and resilience. I passed all my modules with distinction, learning the value of perseverance, teamwork, and time management  skills I’ll carry into my career.But the road was not easy. Financial challenges pushed me to be resourceful. With no support for transport, food, or essentials, I started a small business offering laundry services, selling second-hand clothes, and applying eyelashes. This venture helped me survive and taught me self-reliance.Today, I am proud to still be running my business. It has funded my job interviews and given me the independence to support myself as I seek the right opportunity. Overcoming financial hardship is one of my greatest achievements. I have learned to be resilient, determined, and creative and I am ready to make a meaningful impact in my community.”

Martha Shihwandu

“I reflect on a journey filled with growth, resilience, and purpose. This year has been one of self-discovery and determination, where I have learned to embrace challenges as stepping stones toward success. My friends have played a big role in shaping who I am today, constantly motivating me to push beyond my limits and believe in my potential. As a sports enthusiast, I have come to appreciate how sports instill valuable lessons of commitment, teamwork, and the ability to manage failure , qualities that mirror life itself. Each experience, whether a triumph or a setback, has contributed to my strength and drive to keep moving forward with confidence and gratitude.”

Eliuda Heita

“What I am most proud of is staying consistent through it all. There were times I felt overwhelmed ,juggling assignments, personal responsibilities, and financial pressure, but I never gave up. I learned how to manage my time, stay focused, and believe in my ability to finish strong. More than the degree, I walk away with discipline, confidence, and a deeper understanding of who I am and what I am capable of.”

Simsolia  Namupala

“My greatest achievement as a graduate is completing my qualification, which reflects my hard work, dedication, and growth as an educator. Through this journey, I gained strong teaching skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to support learners effectively. This experience taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of lifelong learning in shaping both my personal and professional development.”

Ndeshipanda Hango

“Graduating from IUM is one of my proudest achievements. It was not just about passing modules, it was about proving that I could rise above financial hardship, self-doubt, and long nights of studying alone. I built a small business to support myself, learned how to manage my time, and stayed committed to my goals. Today, I walk away not only with a degree, but with the strength, independence, and confidence to shape my future.”