Despite the 9,054 miles keeping them apart, junior Teekay Biti and his father, Tendi Biti, still try to keep in close contact. However, since Tendai is the financial minister of Zimbabwe, this long span from one continent to the next is sometimes difficult.
“Me and my dad are pretty close,” Teekay said. “Sometimes, it gets hard because with basketball and school and stuff, I don’t really get to talk to him all that much but we Skype a lot, so it’s still pretty good.”
Usually, Teekay gets to see his father and the rest of his family over winter break or during the summer.
“Most of our family, we designate a place to meet because I have family all over,” Teekay said. “My brother’s in Australia and most of my family is in London, so we all just pick a place to meet.”
Although Teekay hasn’t visited Zimbabwe for a few years, he still has many memories of his father from when he used to live there until he was five.
“I was with my mom and we moved here, to Plano for a better education and my dad stayed there,” Teekay said. “One time I remember is that I used to stay with him in the summer and we would hang out and that was always fun. He loves soccer and we used to watch it together so it’s a good memory.”
Biti says that his father’s career, as well as his mother’s job as a nurse, has encouraged him to set goals for his own future.
“I always thought I had big shoes to fill,” Biti said. “But my future, I hope the best for it. Hopefully I can fill those expectations but his position doesn’t really change them. I still set high goals for myself.”
Tendai’s involvement with money has led Teekay to consider a career in business or law.
“[My father] really influenced my decision,” Teekay said. “As I grew up, I started liking sports in general. And I’m interested in managing that. Business wise, maybe growing a corporation or a firm or something like that. Since my dad is law, we could possibly incorporate that and he could help me.”
After learning about his father’s responsibilities of managing a country’s funds, Teekay said that being the financial minister of Zimbabwe has not changed his opinion of him as a father.
“He’s still my dad,” Teekay said. “If something good or bad happens, I’ll still love him. I’m a proud son.”
