In
retrospect, I am sure we all can agree that the Pre-departure Course was an
invaluable component in the preparation for
our journeys to Cape Town. Not only did we explore many topics that were
relevant throughout the semester, but we were all given a chance to become
acquainted with one another, and the types of relationships we will have in the
upcoming semester. To me, however, one of the most valuable experiences from
the course was having the opportunity to hear the honest and diverse opinions
of my co-educators. I have been in seminar classes before, yet there was quite
a different atmosphere when we were all in class together. To begin, we all
came from different majors and backgrounds, so we were able to bring aspects of
all our specialties to the table. Our different political views also proved to
play a large role in the direction of discussions. I do not want to call myself
a close-minded person at all, but I definitely cannot say that I am always open
to everything I hear. Also, it is hard to find environments where so many
different views are able to be openly expressed without constant criticism and
interruption. Each time I left class, I felt filled with motivation and
curiosity to explore the ways of thinking that veered from the path of my own,
along with excitement that those who inspired these feelings within me would be
the very same people who would be my peers for several months. I learned a lot
about myself, and how to open my mind to new thoughts and ideas from the
Pre-departure Course. With our departure date so soon, I can’t help but feel
even more invigorated to leave, knowing that I am not only in store for a
change of scenery, but also a much needed change in mindset.
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