Father & Daughter Thriving Academically

By Moono Chungu

In the seventeen years of University of Lusaka’s existence, we have witnessed many tear-jerking moments. Yet, still, few come close to witnessing our Lecturer Mr. Joseph Musona clocking his daughter Eunice Musona during the White Coat Day. This was a moment that Mr. Musona describes as something that “offered emotional pride. It offered unspeakable joy!” Eunice remarks, “We were being arranged randomly, but Dr. Chipampe Lombe insisted that I be clocked by my father. I remember Prof. Andrew Mbewe making the announcement, ‘We see fathers are clocking daughters now’ and that made the moment feel surreal. I tried my best not to cry. I felt proud to be his daughter and accomplished at the same time!”

[White Coat Day: a ceremony held by the University of Lusaka School of Medicine and Health Sciences that marks a Student’s transition from Pre-Medicine into clinical practice. During the event, Students’ laboratory gowns and stethoscopes are put onto them by their Lecturers].

It is rare to witness one being taught by their parent. So, in the case of Mr. Musona and Eunice, the University of Lusaka is privileged to have been an institution that could provide a platform for a father to share intellectual and academic wisdom with his daughter – in addition to the lifestyle and social wisdom that he usually renders.

Eunice is a 5th Year Medical Student at the University of Lusaka School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Mr. Musona is a Lecturer under the same school. He reveals that: “When Eunice was young, when I or her mother were unwell, she would go into the garden and pick leaves and say: ‘I want to cure you’. I don’t know who told her about herbal medicine, maybe it was an instinct in her. She showed that care and we knew that she was unique.”

When asked why she decided to pursue a degree in Medicine, Eunice also affirmed that she had a passion for helping people from a young age. She adds, “There was a shortage of Medical staff in the Zambian Medical system; I thought to myself ‘I could be among the people that make a difference to reduce the Doctor to patient ratio’.”

Captivatingly, Eunice’s mother is also a practitioner in the field of Health Care. Mr. Musona reveals, “My wife is a Nurse by profession, so initially we thought we had an influence over Eunice, but her inclination towards Medicine was a song that she had been singing for a long time. It stood the test of time.” Interestingly, all four of Mr. Musona’s children are inclined to Science related fields.

Eunice reveals how excited she was to gain intellectual and academic wisdom from her father saying: “I was excited when he taught me while I was pursuing the course in Research. The best part was seeing him thrive in his field and his passion. Academically, he guided me to also thrive in my own field and passion.”

She adds, “My father has always encouraged us. When we shared our dreams with him, he’d say: ‘Go for it! You can do it! Keep going!’ I’m so proud to be his daughter. To make him proud, I’ll ensure my grades are always excellent – he always promotes academic excellence. He has also inspired me to live a morally and spiritually upright life. And, though he may not know it, I have learnt to be a just and respectful person by observing him. He does not discriminate against anyone.”

Mr. Musona concluded by advising: “Encourage your children; it will foster passion within them. Prioritise their well-being and empower them with unwavering love and support.” To fathers like Mr. Musona, in whatever professions you serve in, we would like to wish you a Happy Father’s Day!