While I was abroad, I had the opportunity to experience many different things. Some things were easier to adjust to than others. For example, connecting with the children and enjoying myself overall was the easiest for me. The few things that were more difficult most certainly outweigh the easier task. I had a lot of trouble getting used to how early everything closes, the language lessons, and being compassionate while being aware and on guard. Out of the three, the most difficult was being compassionate while being on guard. I was warned multiple times about staying alerted and protecting myself. I had to be aware that the city was dangerous, but I needed to be able to show love to the people of the community. In most situations, I was unsure of how to act because I didn't know if the people of the city were being nice or trying to manipulate me. When the trip started to come to an end, I was no longer afraid and could easily show care to the people that greeted me.
What I enjoyed most about the host culture is its sense of community. They work together to make the best of what they are given. Also, many of the children are so motivated to work hard for their education despite their situation. To me, this is very powerful and speaks a lot of their character. I may have been warned and afraid for some time, but the community is just as similar as my own.
In South Africa, I shared some of my best and worst moments. My worst experience on the trip would be going without water. It hit the other students and me so suddenly. We forgot that we were in another town that did not have as much access to the same resources we had in the states, but we were reminded quickly. I was lucky to have brought along personal items to use in the absence of water. Also, one other experience that I had that was one of my worst was taste the aloe tree. As we started our hike on the preserve, the tour guide informed us snout the aloe tree. Many of us found it intriguing because we use it so much in the United States for a lot of things. He told us that the animals eat it when they feel ill. He broke off a piece and passed it around for inspection, and said that it was eatable. It was beyond bitter. It was the worst taste I have ever had in my mouth before. I had to walk the next 30 minutes without something to wash it away. The safari only showed me the true reason as to why I was never fond of zoos. The Safari is much more exciting and reserved.
My best moments were walking in the Kwandu Safari and the orphanage.The orphanage was fascinating as well but had more compassion and enjoyment. These children that I met were beyond welcoming. I connected with a six-month-year-old baby girl who was the most precious thing an eye could see.
After returning home, I found that I brought home some gestures, expressions, and behaviors back home. Since I have been home, I have been purchasing and drinking a lot more water than usual. This is a positive behavior I have brought back. I have also had a changed appetite. I have not been eating as much as I usually do. This is another positive behavior I have brought back. I have been using the phrase "Ubuntu" and applying it as if I would there. I have been making plans to build the community starting one place at a time.
My friends have not been affected by my stories or my behaviors. My friends and my family have been very supportive and interested in my stories. My mom and aunt have been a little more worried about me not eating as much as I usually do. I also came back into the United States with a stomach bug, and that has been a little concerning as well. They have taken me to the doctor to be sure nothing is wrong or that I got something from the food I was eating. My family has not been through too many changes. My brother has a girlfriend and could be getting engaged, my younger cousins are group each day, and there were a few changes to my church. The majority of my family has not changed a bit.
I think I have changed a little. I have been exposed to a lot of the different ways to look at life and to be humble while doing it. I have also had more motivation since I have been back home. Most of my friends I have are ones I have met in Syracuse and have not been around them to know if they think I have changed or not. I have a positive outlook on everything and feel that these changes are meant to a part of my future. These changes are positive and can be used to make positive impacts on other lives.
Studying abroad has helped me gained many personal skills. I have learned how to advise people and collaborated ideas through tutoring and mentoring the children. I have also learned how to negotiate with people by buying things from the markets. Negotiating came a little easier for me because I had help from Xolisa. Problem-solving, listening and evaluating programs have also been benefits of this trip. Having to work in a group with some of the other SU students and exchanging conversation with the Rhodes University Students.
All of these personal skills will be used to reach out to my community, make connections, and present myself accordingly when working with groups or teams. With a health and exercise science major, I would like to be involved in helping young teens develop in and out of sport. These qualities will help learn how to work in an athletic/team atmosphere, advising student-athletes, and evaluating the workout programs and schedules.
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