Leslie: In the aftermath

Usually one month away from everything is like a vacation. Too short of a time to make a change because in a new place there is just so much to see and do in such a short amount of time. With that said, that is why I am glad to say my time in Cape Town as short as it was made a successful impact on me. The sight-seeing alone made me appreciate all that nature has to offer. Visiting main tourist attractions was also educational. When we went to Robben Island I learned about great people like Nelson Mandela who changed South Africa and saved it from hell. I had a lot of fun learning and changing the first two weeks. Although we didn’t get much sleep or free days I can’t say I was really sorry. Sure I anticipated going to bed and taking a nap every twenty minutes at first because of jet lag but once I got over that I finally began to take in a lot of information. It was all worth it at the end. I am a more aware human being internally and externally. I am more educated about things that don’t just revolve around me. I have made new friends and extended my networking skills. I have become more involved in my own community. I am also looking to get into projects that will better myself and make an impact on others like we did in Cape Town.

At this very moment in time, I miss being in Cape Town tired from a long and life changing day. I miss my students in City Mission Educational Services and although we are in touch I wish they could just teleport to me or vice versa. I am excited to be reunited with my housemates once school starts up again. I am going to start my volunteering at My Sister’s Place Shelter in the near future. As a future goal, I am planning on looking for places to bring awareness with my presentation. Life is looking up and I thank God for opening up opportunities for me.

Alyssa inspiring others with a smile and a hello

108 Hellos

One of the many important things I learned while at Cape Town was how a simple hello could change the world. The kindness of people in Cape Town was like no other. Why could it not be the same in the states? I mean, some people are kind but not all. The same goes for Cape Town but the majority of people there, were. It starts with you. In order to make the world a better place; you have to start with yourself. One person that truly left an impact on my life since returning from Cape Town was Nelson Mandela. Under all circumstances, Mandela still made a suggestion that all people make peace and did something to help others. His birthday, July 18th, is international day of celebration, “Nelson Mandela Day” where people are invited to devote 67 minutes to helping others as Mandela had for 67 years when in 2008 he said "It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now." A few days before the approach of Mandela Day* I scrambled, wondering what I could do. After having a mini breakdown and getting some tips, I realized what I should do was evident and simple, just be me! 

Whenever I see someone, I make it my duty to say hello or smile. Until recently I noticed from myself that my hellos only come on certain occasions and for many years I have walked by someone looked down and have said nothing. Not today, not anymore. 

108 was the number of my old residence where I lived and had adventures as a young child. 108 was a number that meant something special to me and would be the number people I’d say hello to that day. It started off kind of awkward and I would notice some people giggle aware that I had just said hello to someone else so they knew it was coming. I didn’t mind that however, because I’d rather make some random person giggle than not make them smile at all that day. By the 56^th person, I decided to try something different. I called my sister and told her to bring our guitars to the park nearby our home. I don’t know why but I would get a rush out of making people smile. Mandela day was a beautiful day so being outside was perfect because everyone was out. My sister and I are beginners at the guitar but not beginners to entertain. We walked around the park and said hello to 52 more people but this time in a “Hello” song saying hello in many different ways. It was funny and people looked cheered up. Although this may not seem to be a typical way of helping people, I feel like it made a huge difference in a lot of people we saw that day. A hello does help. You never know who could have been inspired to do something or go out and make new friends. This was one of the most encouraging days for me and now every day for me will have the same motive, to make someone smile.

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* The idea of Mandela Day was inspired by Nelson Mandela at his 90th birthday celebrations in London’s Hyde Park in 2008 when he said: "It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now."

The United Nations officially declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, recognising Mandela’s "values and his dedication to the service of humanity" and acknowledging his contribution "to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world." 

The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere. “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”

Individuals and organisations are free to participate in Mandela Day as they wish. We do however urge everyone to adhere to the ethical framework of “service to one’s fellow human”.

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! 

Chivelle on being home

I’ve been home for a couple of weeks and I miss Cape Town so much!!! It feels good to be home, but I want to go back to Cape Town. That place really has my heart and it has become a second home to me. Even though, we were there for a month, I have already grown attached to Cape Town. Being there just gives me a sense of peace and comfort. 

      

Since being home, I’ve already jumped back in the swing of things. As soon as I got home, I had my first day of class.  It was a little rough being in class with jet lag, but I managed to get through it.  I already know I have my work cut out for me with all the classes I have to take this summer, but it’s one step closer to graduating in December!

Every day, I reminisce on all the experiences I’ve had in Cape Town. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go on this trip. This trip has really made me into a better person and has caused me to change my perspectives on things.  It also given me long lasting friendships and everlasting memories. 

From this experience, I’ve learned to become thankful for everything that I have in my life. I learned not to complain about everything that goes wrong because there are people that are in a worst situation than I and they are probably not complaining about their situation. People that live in the different townships seemed to be so happy and never complained about the home they’re living in or any situation they were in. They were always welcoming, happy and humble.   Seeing this put many things in perspective for me. If they’re not complaining or unhappy by their situations in life, I shouldn’t be unhappy or complaining about mine.  This was probably one of the most important lessons that I have received and it’s something that I will never forget.  Another thing I have realized is that I feel a oneness with myself. I truly believe that I have found myself in Cape Town. I am more confident with everything I do now. 

Words cannot express how grateful I am for this trip. This experience has truly humbled me.

Maeve reflects on her trip of a lifetime

As I hiked up Table Mountain with Alyssa right behind me I kept wishing we had done this earlier in the trip when I was in better shape. They aren't kidding when they say it’s a tough hike, and that's the one they recommend the most. It’s a 1 kilometer hike to the trail and then 3 kilometers up the mountain which eventually becomes a giant staircase. We took a few breaks on the way up but as we got closer we just couldn't stop. The end was in sight and we couldn't wait. When we got to the top the view was overwhelming. The struggle up the mountain was beyond worth it (which is exactly what we told the struggling hikers on our way back down). As I looked out at the vast expanse I realized that hiking Table Mountain was the perfect end to this trip. From our perch up top, we could see all the places we had been over the past month: Signal Hill, Cape Point, Cape Town, the Waterfront, Robben Island, the townships, District Six, the World Cup stadium, the snowcapped Stellenbosch mountains, the beach and the beautiful scenery we have come to know and love. This hike and the view were the culmination of everything we had done and learned in our time in Cape Town.

 

View from Table Mountain

South Africa has seen its fair share of hardships and struggle but in the end they came out better and are continuing to improve this magnificent country. Although our hike is nothing compared to the apartheid, we were able to better understand the view from atop Table Mountain given the historical, political and economic knowledge bestowed upon us by every single person we met. Because everyone in Cape Town has a story and it’s not hard to find them out. On the plane from Jo’burg to JFK the next day, I sat next to a man from Durban and we discussed being white during the apartheid, the need for a global change in the training of athletes, our travels and the current government and what next year’s election meant for South Africa. He was the epitome of a South African: kind, welcoming, interested in my life and country, and open to discussing anything and everything. This combination of characteristics can be difficult to find in the US where everyone is so much more closed off and concerned with being politically correct. I found that South Africans were also more open to learning about people different from themselves in order to lessen stereotypes within their country. I went to visit one of my previous coaches on my second day back and although he was joking, the ignorance which he found humorous landed on deaf ears for me.

When people ask about my trip, I probably end up going into more detail than they expected because I feel a need to pass on what I saw and what I learned. This trip has affected me in more ways than one and if I don’t pass that experience on then I feel as though I wasted my time and the time of everyone I met. I have over 3,000 pictures to go through and to show anyone willing to watch. There are pictures from the first few days of orientation when we went up Signal Hill, Cape Point, saw the penguins and more but then there are the pictures from the townships and these are the photos that I want to tell everyone about. The pictures are shocking and heartbreaking and at times overwhelming but the stories that go along with them is what makes my trip real. The stories of despair and triumph, of strength and fortitude, the positivity to make a better life no matter what their background is or what others may think they are destined to be. At the Let’s Beat It! Concert for HIV/AIDS Awareness a young man from Guguletu was presented with an award for creating a printing business which started with R300, one computer and one worker (himself) and became a flourishing company with five workers and a five figure profit this past year. Every single person works their hardest to be the best they can be even if the odds are stacked against them and that’s the story I want to bring back and share with anyone who will listen.

It’s been hard adjusting back into life at home, especially since I hadn’t been home since Spring Break. I have everything from my dorm room and my trip to go through which is a daunting process that I’m slowly getting through. One of the most difficult changes has been waking up not surrounded by my housemates every morning. We had a routine with our shower rotation and then breakfast rotation before the day’s activities and then nightly meals with the Dinner Crew. Although it was only four weeks, that routine was normal and now I’m not really sure what to do. I know it’ll take time to adjust but for now just looking through the pictures and talking about my experience is enough to keep it alive as I integrate the “changed” me back into the life of the “old” me. I am beyond grateful to have had the chance to live in Cape Town for a month, and see and experience everything I did. This was the trip of a lifetime and one day I hope I can bring my friends and family back to show them the place that changed my life forever.

Maeve and placement supervisor, Sister Castle, at Thank You Dinner