Brighton helped me understand the importance of reflection

The Brighton Effect campaign asks graduates what it is that gave them that unique effect on their successes, however they define success.

We caught up with Comfort Rudzuna, who graduated in 2020 with International Health Promotion (MSc), and won a Forward Bound Scholarship while at University, to find out his Brighton Effect story.

Reflecting to look forward

“During my time at the University of Brighton, I learnt to practice reflection as part of my work and personal life. Before coming to Brighton, my work routine was to look at a task and do it without assessing my performance and methods. I also didn’t assess my work after a project which meant I always went into the next project without having an appreciation of lessons learnt from previous activities.

“Some courses that I took in Brighton, such as the community placement module, required us to reflect on what we had done. I developed an appreciation of how the practice was able to progressively develop me as a health practitioner and as an individual as well.

“Coming back to Zimbabwe, I worked as a consultant for workplace HIV programs. Reflecting on projects that I did with clients enabled me to progressively become a better practitioner. Applying reflective practice has helped me improve the way I work and live overall.”

Creating motivating visuals

“One of our courses required us to work as a group and develop an item that responded to a public health issue. My group decided to create a video that could be shared over social media. We had to work with other departments such as the audio-visual department to create a video that was impressive and motivating. I enjoyed working with a team of diverse students and other departments to develop a brilliant product.”

Setting up shop

“Since graduation, I have started a consultancy agency with two friends. The confidence and information that I received from Brighton enabled me to start the agency. We have managed to develop workplace wellness policies and programs that are outstanding within Zimbabwe.”

Life-long impact

“Improving someone’s life is an important part to becoming a better global community. Success to me means having that effect where I have managed to have a lifelong impact on the lives of others. The more people I can impact, the greater that success for me.”