‘Life after Chevening at the University of Dundee’
Wondering where a Chevening Scholarship could take you? Lina Tjindra reflects on what it was like to complete her master’s at the University of Dundee and all that she has achieved since.
Balancing Chevening and motherhood
Balancing the demands of a master’s degree with the responsibilities of motherhood is no easy feat, especially when pursuing studies in a new country. Chevening scholar Suzan Yumbe shares her experience of raising three children, navigating the ups and downs of student life, and finding strength in her support system.
My name is Suzan Yumbe, and I am a mother of three to a five-year-old son and one-year-old twins. I am the founder and director of the Afyaplus organisation and a proud Chevening scholar at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Balancing motherhood with pursuing a master’s degree abroad is a challenging journey but one that I have embraced with resilience and determination.
Receiving the news of my Chevening Scholarship felt like a dream come true. However, I faced questions about balancing my studies, being present for my children, and adjusting to life in a new country. Despite these uncertainties, my passion for enhancing community health through Afyaplus and
my desire to inspire my children motivated me to take this bold step.
When it came time to attend school, I had to choose between embarking on a journey to the UK or staying in Tanzania with my children. I am deeply grateful for my family, their Dad, and especially my wonderful mother, who cared for my kids. She reminded me, ‘I raised you and will take care of your babies. Be strong and go to school, for opportunities don’t come around twice, and your success is your children’s success’. Her empowering words brought me peace, and today, I celebrate my mother and take pride in being her daughter.
One of the most significant challenges has been managing my time. As a mother, my day never truly ends. Between attending lectures, completing assignments, and engaging in academic discussions, I also have video calls to check in on my children and provide emotional support from afar. There are days when the weight of it all feels overwhelming, but I remind myself that this sacrifice is not just for me; it is for my family and the communities I serve back home in Tanzania.
Despite these challenges, the journey has been profoundly rewarding. Being surrounded by diverse scholars worldwide has broadened my perspective on global health issues and strengthened my resolve to drive meaningful change. My children, Liam, Kenzo, and Zhuri, will one day learn valuable lessons from my experience. They will see firsthand the importance of resilience, education, and pursuing one’s dreams, regardless of obstacles.
To any mother considering an academic journey while raising children, my message is simple: it is possible. You may encounter moments of doubt, but those moments do not define you. With determination, a clear purpose, and the right support, you can pursue your dreams while being a present and loving parent.
I reflect on the privilege of being both a mother and a scholar. I am grateful for showing my children that they can dream big and achieve whatever they set their minds to. This experience is shaping my future and theirs, which is the greatest gift of all.
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