Salem Mutata
When Salem Mutata arrived in the U.S. from her native Zimbabwe in 2019, she had no idea her journey to Georgia State would bring so many exciting changes. Now a junior majoring in biology with a pre-med concentration, she’s embracing every moment, getting involved on and off campus and enjoying the rewards of her efforts. Here, she lets us in on her story.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Share a bit about yourself and how you got to Georgia State.
It’s a funny story about how I got to GSU. I came to the U.S. from Zimbabwe in 2019. I was supposed to be a junior in high school, but they pushed me back a year to help me get used to the education system here. In November of my junior year of high school, my counselor told me I had enough credits to graduate that May, so I had to apply to colleges quickly. It was exciting and a new experience for me. Georgia State was the first college I was accepted to, and I was offered a space in the Honors College.
You’re majoring in biology with a pre-med concentration. What are your career aspirations?
I want to be a cardiologist but I’m also interested in doing research in medicine. I’ve been set on cardiology since I was in the third grade. The research interest came when I got to GSU. I saw people engaged in so much cross-disciplinary research and became interested in the avenues I wanted to explore. I thought, since I also want to be a cardiologist, maybe the combination of research in medicine would interest me.
Which campus programs and community organizations are you a part of?
I’ve been very active and involved with campus life since I got here. I started by completing the diamond-level Student Leadership Certificate through GSU’s Leadership Programs. From there, in April 2023, I received two of Georgia State’s annual Royal Flame Awards (overseen by Leadership Programs): the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award and the Rising Star Award. I am also a blood donor ambassador for the American Red Cross and volunteer weekly with the Emory Winship Cancer Institute.
Regarding other extracurricular activities, I’m part of the Student Alumni Association, of which I’m the executive vice president, and I am a member of The 1913 Society. Last year, I was involved in a lot of student organizations. I was a volunteer coordinator for the American Red Cross and director of events for metro Atlanta’s Pre-Medical Mentorship & Clinical Program.
What was it like to win two prestigious Georgia State Royal Flame Awards?
I was shocked. I had gone to the awards show because that’s where I was to receive my Student Leadership Certificate. When I arrived and they were handing out the run-of-show pamphlet, I saw my name listed under the two awards, next to some fantastic student leaders, including Jordan Madden. When they called my name saying I had won, I was genuinely surprised. It felt great to be recognized.
How are you managing everything you’re doing?
It doesn’t seem like a lot, and it’s so much fun. My calendar is my life. I use it to plan everything. I am very intentional with the things that I’m doing. I spent my first few semesters here exploring what I wanted to do, but now I know what I’m interested in. I’m passionate about research, events and causes. I’m also intentional about picking what I want to be involved in. From there, I balance it, and I use the resources that GSU provides, like going to the new Panther Tutoring — STEM Center or visiting our student involvement leaders.
How is Georgia State preparing you for your future?
Through volunteering, events and professional development opportunities, GSU has significantly contributed to my growth. These experiences enhance my skill set and prepare me for the future, allowing me to be flexible and adaptable. When challenges arise, I can troubleshoot effectively. Additionally, as a research assistant in the Honors College, I have gained valuable insights into the research process, further equipping me for the future. The networking opportunities and skills I’m acquiring are immense, and I feel incredibly grateful for my experiences here. I wouldn’t change a thing!
