Name: Herve Christian Sheja Kabanda
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Major: Integrated Science
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May 2020
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I have a passion for agriculture and my interest in agriculture lies in biomass energy. UNL happens to be the best place for me because I have always wanted to do my undergraduate studies at an outstanding university; a place that would help me be a difference maker in my native country of Rwanda. Rwanda is still a developing country and it will make me so happy to help my country move a step forward in power production and supply. In addition, UNL is home. I feel safe and happy to be a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
My favorite thing about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the people that are part of UNL (faculty members, students and support help on different levels). UNL is such a welcoming place because of the people that are a part of it and I am glad that I call it home.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
I took CYAF-121 during my first semester at UNL. My instructor was Teresa Lostroh. It opened me to diversity and American culture. I love interacting with people because I feel like you can learn a great deal from your fellows and all you have to do is just talk to them. CYAF-121 helped me embrace diversity and learn more about American culture and that helps me in my everyday life at UNL.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After I graduate as a CUSP scholar, I look forward to taking the knowledge that I will acquire from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln back to Rwanda and help in power production and supply since the latter is still a major problem in my native country.
What’s life like outside of school?
Life outside of school is amazing. I spend so much time studying at the library. I play basketball in my free time and I get to interact with different people, which is very cool. I have the opportunity of working on an anaerobic digester that I developed with John Hay this summer up until the end of September. I am planning on joining at least three clubs on campus and I am still deciding on which ones. I want to be part of the African Peoples Union.