My parents always presented education to us as the only way out of poverty. They even sold their valuables such as goats, sheep and cattle for us to go to school. At times my mother would brew beer and sell it just so I could get an education. They hoped that one day I would look after them after completing my education, but the opposite is true today. They managed to look after the seven of us but we continue to fail to look after them.

When I passed my A levels and went on to enroll as an undergraduate student I never thought that I would carry on living in one room. Two years have passed since completing my degree yet I am still wandering the streets of Harare looking for a job. I no longer have hope that one day I will get a formal job which will enable me to look after my family.

My mother was so sure that I would get a job soon after completing my studies but she has given up on that hope now as well. I expected to get a steady job and a company car and other benefits such as medical aid, but the opposite is true and the sweet dreams have been turned into sour nightmares.

I mourn for myself, my nation and my family. Sometimes I cry when I think of all the sacrifices that my parents made and all they invested in me to go to school, but because of the policies of Robert Mugabe and his government l am harvesting thorns - instead companies opening, they are closing.

I am even afraid to marry, but everyone is asking me when are you going to marry but how can I marry when I am actually failing to look after myself.

Every year colleges and universities churn out graduates who are wandering in the streets without employment. South Africa is filled with highly qualified Zimbabweans forced into menial labour.

I think it is high time people voted for real change in Zimbabwe.