The most useful insight that I
gained during the pre departure course focused on unpacking our/other people's
perceptions of race here and in South Africa. It was incredibly useful for me
to have the opportunity to have respectful conversations with people that are
often foregone in everyday conversation because of the politicization of the
topic at hand. Learning about South Africa's history and the correlations
between South Africa and the US when it comes to race-based issues helped me to
better understand where I am going and where I am coming from. I think this
information will be useful to me in the coming months because I won't be going
into situations/conversations completely blind. This information has provided
me the context and the language to participate in conversations that I once
felt unqualified to participate in. On top of this knowledge, getting to know
my peers and future housemates made me incredibly excited to begin this new
part of my life with them.
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