This week I had to
write a paper on the organization I am interning (Human Wildlife Solutions) and where it fits into the
Millennium Development Goals, the National Development Plan, The city of Cape
Town’s Integrated Development plan and why it was established. Talking to my
co-workers about the organization and researching it further gave me another
perspective on what the people in the organization do and why it is needed.
Through this paper I also learned that I knew more about the place I worked
then I originally thought. All of the seemingly small conversations that I had at
work and the work I did in the office had a bigger impact on my learning then I
realized. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoying have an internship
while in school. It allows me to learn in a hands on way that doesn’t feel like
I am learning. In addition to this I have learned a lot about myself and what I
value since being on this trip. Not being in constant contact with friends and
family back home and staying off of social media has allowed me to connect with
others and really reflect on what I want out of life. I think anyone can have
this kind of revelation if they disconnect and focus on themselves. However I
have found being physically removed from everything back home has allowed me to
do this a little faster.
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| Sydney & friends out and about |
Along with the
educational portion of my week I was able to have some fun with my peers and
some new friends I have made in Cape Town. For example I was able to go to the
Cape Town Comedy Club with a few people. This was an interesting experience for
me because it seemed as if no topic was off limits and some of the things that
were said I personally did not like and felt a little offended. I think some of
the jokes were perpetuating stereotypes and a few were insensitive to what
others have faced. However at the same time I understand that all comedy does
this because people base it off of their life and are expressing themselves in
a way that makes others laugh. Besides this I thought it was a great experience
and was excited when I understood jokes about politics, public transportation
and other things.
Lastly I have
really enjoyed getting to know more about the friends I have made in Cape Town
and meeting their families. Being able to just talk to them and feel that
connection of being accepted into their community is awesome. One of my friends
has even started teaching me a few words in Xhosa and was surprised when I knew
a few already. I’m nowhere close to knowing enough to have a long conversations
but I hope I will be able to learn enough that I can pick up some words as
people talk, or hopefully learning to speak the language one day. The more time
goes on I feel myself falling even more in love with the people and the place
itself. I know I will definitely be back one day, but the more time goes on I
don’t want to think about leaving the people I have met and the place I’ve
grown to know.
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