REXBURG—For Connie Zillale, coming to BYU-Idaho meant more than returning to the classroom. After nearly four years away from school, the Tanzanian student began a new chapter centered on faith, education and ambitious plans for the future.
Zillale chose BYU-Idaho because of its Christ-centered environment and a family connection to the university. Her father attended BYU-Idaho, making Rexburg a familiar part of her family’s story even before she arrived.
“Sometimes we can get so busy and forget the Savior, and remembering the Savior is there and that we can still speak to Him literally at any time. That’s something I wanted and something that can help me stay closer to the Savior even when I’m far from home,” Zillale said.
Faith continues to play an important role in Zillale’s life. She said she stays close to Jesus Christ through scripture study, prayer, temple attendance and applying His teachings in her everyday life. One scripture that has become especially meaningful to her is Moroni 7:33, which teaches about the power that comes through having faith in Christ.
Family has always remained a major source of support despite the distance from Tanzania. Zillale communicates with her family every day through WhatsApp, where they share scriptures, uplifting messages and videos. She also has some family nearby. Her twin sister lives in Rexburg, while two of her other sisters live in Provo and Salt Lake City.
“My twin sister basically had the same journey too, so we were in it together so it was kind of great to see what God can do sometimes,” she said.
Before coming to BYU-Idaho, Zillale served a mission in Sacramento, California. Her mission was interrupted when she needed ACL surgery, requiring her to return home before eventually resuming her service. Her twin sister experienced a similar journey, giving the two another experience to support each other through.
Now in her first semester back in school, Zillale is studying biomedicine and hopes to eventually attend medical school and become a cardiac surgeon. Her interest in the heart is personal, influenced in part by her grandparents’ experience with heart disease.
Medicine, however, is not her only dream. Zillale is also interested in engineering and hopes to one day become a pilot.
“Also, with me not being in school for four years and being back into school now, it’s been a good smooth start,” Zillale said.
As she looks ahead, Zillale hopes her education will give her opportunities to build a career and experience more of the world. Whether her future takes her into an operating room, a cockpit or somewhere she has yet to imagine, she hopes to continue learning, exploring and relying on the faith and family that helped bring her to Rexburg.