Well, here I am in sunny and hot South Africa! This is a mighty change from the freezing temperatures I was experiencing in the weeks leading up to my departure. It was quite a journey, but I am finally here. Naturally, my hometown of Charlotte, N.C. experienced its worst snowstorm in two years, a mere two days before I was set to fly out of the country. Because North Carolina rarely receives any significant amount of snow, the city and everyone in it basically freaked out. Schools were closed, people were buying all of the milk and bread in local grocery stores, and salt for streets and sidewalks were nowhere to be found — all in preparation for and in anticipation of the three inches of snow that greeted us that Tuesday morning. Barely any snow had stuck to the streets and sidewalks, but that didn’t stop a doctor’s appointment I had been putting off from being cancelled. Nor did it prevent many stores I needed to visit to finish off a last few errands from being closed. Oh well, it is this kind of frenzy every once in a while that makes snow in the South quite an exciting event!
I must admit all of this talk about snow and cold was making me nervous about making my connecting flight in New York. I did manage to make my plane on time. I did, however, leave Charlotte with a bang. I managed to cause quite a ruckus about the two-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer I was encouraged to take on the plane by my parents and neglected to declare going through security. After finally being deemed actual hand sanitizer and not a nuclear device, it was ultimately returned, and I was allowed to continue on my merry way.
It really wasn’t until I had been seated on the plane that it finally hit me what I was actually about to do. I was traveling to another continent by myself for almost four months. I was leaving behind many comforts of home that I have grown accustomed to: instant Internet access, daily hot showers, friends and family, and constant, immediate access to news.
Though I have to admit that I am a bit nervous about this adventure. I am also excited to be experiencing such a vastly different culture, political system and way of life than my own. I feel my learning in a way has already begun. I just finished Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom,” and though I may not agree with all of his political philosophy, his story is one of hope, courage and determination, which is inspiring to everyone. I would recommend this read to students of all academic areas, regardless of their knowledge of the country of South Africa, for it is truly a universally relevant story.
My introductory knowledge of South Africa through Nelson Mandela’s autobiography will be furthered through my program, in which I will be studying the political system, history and culture of South Africa as well as its community health care. This is a very interesting time to be involved in this program because not only is South Africa preparing for a monumental election in April, it is also furiously trying to work toward the Millennium Development Goals, all while dealing with the largest HIV-infected population in the entire world. I am excited to be able to witness firsthand the challenges facing a post-apartheid South Africa and the ways in which the country is trying to combat them.
Now, after snow, predeparture errands and a bit of reading, here I am. My plane has finally landed after what seemed like an eternity. It is 90 degrees outside — a far cry from the freezing temperatures I awoke to this morning (or was it yesterday?). This presented an apparel challenge, because I did not want to be too hot or too cold on any leg of my trip. I opted for thin sweatpants, a short-sleeve T-shirt, sweatshirt and Chaco sandals. In retrospect this outfit probably looked a bit odd, but hey, I was ready for anything. As I prepared to exit the plane, I took off my thick sweatshirt only to reveal a navy and orange T-shirt. After all, I may be in South Africa, but I am still a Wahoo.
Megan’s column runs biweekly Tuesdays. She can be reached at m.stiles@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
Khul Ke Nacho — a celebration of free-spirited dancing
By Malaika Rehman | 20 hours agoThe sea of attendees wearing desi attire and dancing joyfully throughout the night was a reflection of the thriving Pakistani community in and outside of PSA.
Holding onto every grain in the hourglass
By Mai Hukuoka | 2 days agoNow that I’m back at school, I have made it my mission to take note of the sneaky passage of time.
Students brave the cold for a whirlwind sorority rush
By Mia Tan | 4 days agoStudents recount a mix of emotions from rush, with some disappointed after dropping from the recruitment process and others ecstatic to join Greek life.
