As
the second week of my time in Cape Town comes to a close, I find myself reflecting
on the different things I have experienced throughout my weeks here. In
visiting historical sites, such as District 6 and the Slave Lodge, it was
refreshing to see the history of what has happened portrayed in a way that did
not sugar coat or misinform. Through these tours I learned so much about:
slaves, who without, Cape Town would not have become the place it is today, how
Apartheid has affected people through a firsthand account and so much more. In
learning so much history and hearing the emotions in the voices of the people
telling their stories makes me wish that I was able to trace my history and
understand more of what people have faced in America. I know what I have been
told by text books, but I feel as if it is
only one side of the story and know that the facts presented in those books
could be altered by the people who wrote them.
In Cape Town, I see the representation and
embracement of the different cultures that have made Cape Town the place it is
today. I feel as if a lot of the cultures are dimmed down in the states in a way
to assimilate to how people picture America should be. There are places in
which differences are embraced and you can find a variety of places to eat and
people to interact with. However I would like to see more of an acceptance of
people’s differences in more than just food. From skin color to religion I
would like people in the states to stop trying to ignore the differences and
instead embrace them.
All
of these thoughts race through my mind on a daily basis as we visit different
townships, eat at various restaurants and walk around the city. I see community
everywhere I go and it seems people always have a kind word to say to me when I
walk down the street. I was reminded of the community feeling however even more
when we visited everyone’s internship placements. Everyone is working in a NGO
that targets a specific need that people have seen in the community. From
hospitals, schools, aquariums, refugee centers and more, we all have had the
privilege to work alongside people who have dedicated their lives to helping
others, and making the world a better place.
As
this week comes to a close and I get closer to starting my internship and
classes at the University of Cape Town, all I can think about is how lucky I am
to be able to experience everything I have so far and I am excited for what’s
to come. Taking public transportations will be something to get used to, but
with our training exercise on learning how to take the various modes of
transportation on our own has given me the confidence I need. Hopefully, I will
be able to convey to everyone as time goes on how amazing this place is and how
important it is to give back to your community. I know for sure there are
plenty of things that need to be fixed in my own society when I return home and
look forward to finding new opportunities to give back and encourage some in a
positive way.
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