Back Row: Carrie Graham, Alyssa Hughes, Daniella Abelard, Cindy Bravo, Cynthia Tetteh, Maeve Maloney, Zuleika Candelaria;
Front Row: Chivelle Blissett, Leslie Rivera, Deborah Delianne, Eddie Woollacot

Welcome . . .

On May 10, 2013 ten eager students and their director Carrie Graham arrived in Cape Town to begin what is sure to be an amazing four weeks. The University of Connecticut’s Service Learning Study Abroad in Cape Town is designed to facilitate greater understanding of South Africa’s troubled past while providing opportunities to witness its vibrant hope for the future. While living, learning, and working in one of most beautiful settings in the world, students are placed at various service learning sites while participating in classes intended to help contextualize their experiences, expand their horizons and develop a deeper appreciation of what it means to be a global citizen.

As anyone who has been to Cape Town can attest, there are no words or pictures that can begin to adequately capture the beauty of the scenery or hospitality of the people here. Therefore, this blog is merely intended to provide an overview of the program and a glimpse at some experiences of students participating in this first ever 4 week "summer" program. Once again it is a privilege and honor to accompany a wonderful group of UConn students to a place I have come to know and love.

In peace, with hope, Marita McComiskey

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Chivelle's amazing adventure

Thinking about what to put in my last blog post has definitely been a struggle for me.  So many thoughts about my experience run through my mind and I’m pretty sure that I’ve already shared a lot in my other postings. While thinking of everything, I really am thankful for Vernon, Ben, Carrie, and Marita for this 4-week study abroad trip amazing and unforgettable. Without them, I don’t think that the experience would have been complete. They constantly encouraged us and were always there whenever we needed them. I am also thankful for the sisters at the Tafelsig Clinic, they really provided guidance and gave me more motivation to become a registered nurse.

During this trip, I have done things that I thought I would never do like eating an ostrich burger or climbing a mountain. I even connected and developed friendships with people who I never thought I would. Before leaving for Cape Town, I thought that I was going to be staying to myself and not really connecting to people. But it was the complete opposite, I stepped out of my comfort zone and actually made long-lasting friendships and connections with everyone on the trip.  

 Now that I’ve been home for over a month, I reflect on my experience in Cape Town and can honestly say that this has been the best experience of my life.  I really have found myself and have become a stronger individual. I also have gained more self-confidence and self-esteem because of this trip.  I know that I can really do anything that I set my mind to and if I really want something I have to go after it. I can’t imagine the type of person I would be if I didn’t have the experience I did while in Cape Town.  Even my parents have seen a change in me and they say that I have become happier and more confident. They are also thankful that I went on this trip and feel like it has made me become a better person.  I really have grown into a better individual.  If anyone ever asks me about studying abroad, I would definitely tell them to go do it because it will change their lives and help them grow as individuals. I would definitely encourage that they study abroad in Cape Town because it’s such an amazing place full of adventures! 

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