Some stories aren't easy to tell. They're raw, painful, and deeply personal. But they're also the ones that matter most, because they remind us why this work exists. This is the story of a young woman who survived circumstances no one should ever face, who found hope in an unexpected place, and who refused to let her past define her future.

This is her Uncommon Breakthrough.

"I have lived in a space between life and death, a place where survival was not a choice but a daily fight. I grew up in a difficult environment that forced me to learn how to endure, how to fight for food, and how to become strong at a very young age. I lived with my stepmother for a time before moving out on my own. Life was never easy, never joyful, but with the little I could gather for myself, I survived.

For nearly three years, I lived alone, paying rent, sometimes eating, sometimes going without food because of life’s harsh realities. Survival pushed me into situations and decisions that I am not proud of today, choices made out of desperation rather than desire. Eventually, I grew tired of merely surviving. I knew I wanted more from life.

In 2025, something unexpected happened. A flyer for an uncommon.org bootcamp was shared in one of my volleyball groups. I told myself, “Let me try. If I fail, at least I tried.” I applied, and by God’s grace, I was selected. I was filled with excitement and hope.

Before that, I had worked as a kitchen porter and a waitress jobs that demanded intense physical labor. I never enjoyed that kind of work, and I promised myself that if I ever got an opportunity, I would choose a smarter path, not a harder one. Being accepted into uncommon.org felt like my stepping stone. I told myself: “Forward ever, backward never.”

The bootcamp began in November 2024. It was my first time owning and using a computer, something that initially fascinated and intimidated me. Today, I confidently use a computer and thank God for the knowledge I have gained. The program ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which was challenging because I had no stable income. I depended on a “street-type hustle” to survive and pay rent. Over time, this hustle became a heavy burden, especially as I began specializing in Digital Marketing and seeing new possibilities for my life.

As I learned new skills, my mindset began to change. I started to realize that life could be more than survival, that dreams were valid and a different future was possible.

During this period, I experienced a traumatic event that affected me mentally, emotionally, and physically. Living under survival pressure can cost you your safety, happiness, and peace. After experiencing sexual violence, I reached a breaking point. I told myself this was the end of fighting in harmful ways. From that moment on, it was “skyway or highway. ” No matter how hard life became, I would no longer seek money through the wrong paths.

Overwhelmed and injured, I decided to withdraw from the boot camp so I could find work and support myself. However, the instructors at uncommon.org stepped in during my darkest moment. They supported me emotionally, connected me to therapy and mental health support, and ensured I was safe. They covered my accommodation, food, and toiletries, giving me the stability I needed to heal and continue learning. For the first time, I didn’t have to compromise my dignity to survive.

The students at uncommon.org were equally incredible—creative, intelligent, supportive, and kind. I found a community that uplifted me. I gained not just classmates, but family. I am deeply grateful to Gerald Chibanda, who became a big brother and best friend, standing by me emotionally when I needed support the most. I also thank Ayanda Dube, my sister and friend, who had the courage to speak up for me and help the instructors understand my situation.

Because of uncommon.org, my life changed. I learned that I am worthy, that I matter. Through their support, I secured an industrial attachment at Matetsi Victoria Falls, and I can now confidently say that I am who I am today because of the digital skills I have gained. I transitioned from a Digital Marketing attachee to an Office Administrator attachee, and I truly believe this is my time to shine.

Today, I dream bigger. I am working toward becoming a millionaire, learning how to earn money online, and building a future that allows me to work from anywhere. My next step is launching my own fitness wear brand, VT-Fit (Vivique Tigres Fit Wear).

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Peter Kazickas, the founder of uncommon.org, for creating opportunities for people like me, those who needed change, who needed to be heard, and who needed independence. My journey began with uncommon.org, and by God’s grace, it will inspire others to find themselves, gain digital skills, and build sustainable futures.

"My scars are not signs of weakness; they are badges of survival."
This is my Uncommon Breakthrough.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I look forward to continuing my journey of learning, working remotely, and growing my own business.