International student shares journey, dreams to build hospital in home country

"I just have to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor," said Sandra Chisesele, a freshman at Wayne State College.

 Chisesele is working toward her dreams far from home at WSC.

"I'm trying to adapt to the environment since it's really different than my country of citizen," said Chisesele.

Chisesele is part of the Norfolk Schools in Malawi program. It's a gateway for American Universities in Eastern Africa.

"I'm enjoying my classes," said Chisesele. "I have chemistry and I love chemistry. I'm getting good grades."

The transition was made easier through a network of over a dozen Malawi students in Nebraska. Some are at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, and others like Faith Mendulo are studying alongside Chisesele.

"We are friends like more than friends, she's like my sister," said Chisesele.

Mendulo has one Wildcat year under her belt.

"She's the one who gave me a way to go to the African Association Club," said Chisesele. "She took care of me when I came. She introduced me to the whole campus."

The new family bond is forming while her parents and two younger siblings are back home in Malawi.

"Obviously, I miss them," said Chisesele.

She said it will all be worth it once she returns.

"Go back in Malawi and build my own hospital right there," said Chisesele. "...I should share them the knowledge that I got right here."

That knowledge is something young Malawians are yearning for.

"The kids that are in Malawi, most of them, I'm telling you, it's their dream as well to come right here."