One of the biggest lessons my time in South Africa taught me is that I have learned to appreciate who I am and what I have, more specifically my lifestyle. I have come to realize ( and did realize this prior to my trip, but didn't fully "practice" it before) that things will never make a person happy. What makes "me" happy is that I am surrounded with good company ( friends, family, co-workers, people, you get it...), that I have the desire/ability to travel, opportunities, an education, and the ability to give ( give to me means that I can give "me", Emily, the person I am and what I stand for)....I think the most prominent at this point would be education. Through South Africa, I realized my passion is education. I have taken my education for granted all of my life....I have always had the ability to pursue an education and all that it entails. It was not made entirely clear to me until being in South Africa, that some people will NEVER have the ability to pursue an education, let alone have any. Education is incredibly powerful and has enriched my life ( as it will continue to) in many ways I cannot explain. My biggest professional dream for the future is to be able to teach others the value of education- whether it be college students, friends, people I come across, etc. And because I am fortunate to be in a position to give, I want to use my talent and strengths in giving those a memorable experience in education. I want to be able to travel the world and give those who do not have an education, the opportunity at having one. Each day I am reminded at what my education has done for me.....it has shown me the world. I am forever appreciative of what my college education has given and taught me. The opportunities have been endless.
In addition to all of these, South Africa, specifically my time in Gugs, opened my eyes to the power of forgiveness. There have been many times in my life where I feel bitter towards people or certain relationships. Why did a certain friend take advantage of me? How come I was put into this situation? Why did this happen to me? After spending a week ( and this may seem like an incredibly short amount of time) with people in the township of Guguletu, my eyes and heart were awakened to some of the most forgiving people I have EVER met. To shorten this story (because I could go on forever), the people of South Africa face incredible challenges. They have had a very rough history in regards to Apartheid, are statistically living with the world's higest HIV/AIDS rate, extreme amount of poverty, etc. However, many of the people I met, have set aside these trajic facts and have opened their arms and hearts to forgiveness. Despite the odds, they are bound and deteremined to forgive. Forgive those who caused them pain, anxiety, many times lives of people they loved. This, alone, has reminded me to forgive anyone and everyone. It has reminded me to forgive myself when I make mistakes. Why waste time being bitter and disliking people or things when you cannot change them? Instead, be grateful for the good in life. Being able to forgive because life will improve drastically.
Despite spending one of the saddest weeks of my entire life in South Africa, as well as the emotional rollercoaster I I felt while spending my time in South Africa, I realized how incredibly hopeful and positive some of the people is what kept me emotionally alive. These leaders. True leaders. Leaders that are INCREDIBLE- their hope and positive outlook for the future of improve for their country has been one of the most inspiring lessons I have come across. How did I stumble upon this life-changing experience? Why me? Was this part of my mission? Is this part of my journey? Absolutly. I believe everything happens for a reason. South Africa was intentional.
This experience has truly given me the power to act upon what I saw, felt, was moved by, met, etc. I will pursue education, professionally. I will give back. I will continue my travels. I will volunteer for an extended time abroad. I will continue my leadership journey. I will force myself out of my comfort zone and expand my thoughts and ideas. Most importantly, I will be FOREVER grateful for an experience that has truly "given" me the world.
