December 2012 Archives

Bless uP and Happy New Years to all my friends and Family. Cape Town Keepin it real on Long Street with the Music and such. Had a Great night out "On the Town in Cape Town" as the say down here. Its Kind of like a "Grand Market" type of thing for all my Jamaicans who are wondering. Diversity in music, culture, food, yes the food!!! BOMB!!! We also got to visit a township earlier this morning, it was quite a scene yet very peaceful. About to head out to the Mountains soon and live up there for three days and relax, really learn about who we are as individuals. 

Gotta Say though again, Bless uP to 2K13, love everyone, love it here, respect, see yal soon.

Yow, I have officially, Reached South Africa. Thanks for all the the prayers. It is nice so far, the air is warm, lil humid, no biggy. And the best part, Got to Ride in a MINI BUS!!! Jamaican people know how that goes. The people are great and GOD IS GOOD!!!. 

Ill keep yal posted, Love yal, respect and Bless uP. 

P.S. WE ARE 8 HOURS AHEAD!!! SO IM HEADIN TO SLEEP!!. NIGHT!!

Doua Chee Yang 12-27-12

South Africa, Here I Come!

Online Blog #1

Hello, Hello, Hello!

My name is Doua Yang. I am currently a senior studying Family Social Science and hoping to minor in Social Justice. This past semester, I took an introduction course to social justice. I loved it so much, I knew this trip would be a perfect fit to expand my interest. What makes it even more exciting is that I've always wanted to go to South Africa! It's funny because I've never even traveled outside of the Midwest, let alone, been on an airplane... I am extremely nervous but of course, more excited!

Reasons for Going:

·          Great interest in (South) African beauty, culture, and customs

·          Great interest in social justice

·          South Africa has so much history and I am looking forward to getting hands-on experience

·          First time out of the country

Pre-departure Expectations:

·          I do expect many friendships and tight-knit relationships to be made

·          Looking forward to a life changing experience

Hopes for Yourself:

·          Its funny, I got a fever just last night so I hope to be healthier during this trip

·          I hope to survive the plan ride... haha

·          Have fun, learn a lot, and make new friends!

 

 

Hello everybody,

So I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself. I'm a little last minute with everything, shame on me. I just packed this morning. I arrived at the airport an hour late. I'm just now writing this blog, and 75% of the passengers have boarded already. I guess this blog post is a reflection of who I am, a person who likes to live on the edge. (just kidding, but not really) I've learned to accept life as it comes. Nothing is really as bad as it seems, and it doesn't matter where you are as long as you're there with people you love. I'm really excited to get to know everybody on this trip. I look forward to every experience that we have in front of us. The Good, the bad, the ugly, and the down right crazy. I have this feeling that something really amazing is getting ready to happen, and I'm not quite sure what form that amazing will take place, but I know when I find it that some serious growth and self reflection will take place. I love the person I am in this Minneapolis airport, and I'm quite fond of the people im in this airport with, but I really look forward to the person that I'll be next time I step foot in a Minneapolis airport, and the great friends I'll have at my side. I'm never short on words. Aside from being an artist I love to talk a lot, but seeing as most of my group is in line with their bags, and I'm still chillin like I don't have a plan to catch, I think its best that I wrap this up. I'll have so much more to say over the next 3 weeks to compensate for this abreviated blog. This is going to be an amazing chapter in my life, but I cant write it all now, so until I've experienced what the future holds. The rest is still unwritten. 

My name is Charlene Bogonko, I'm a student at the University of Minnesota. 

Hey everyone!

I'm Carlos Reyes, a senior at the University of Minnesota studying Business Marketing with a minor in leadership and Chicano Studies. I am 30 minutes away from boarding the plane to Amsterdam, eventually leading me to Cape Town South Africa! I am extremely excited to finally get there!! Throughout the semester, i've spent applying for the trip and getting everything taken care of, all to fly half-way around the world to Cape Town!

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone on the trip. Creating strong relationships with those on the trip, as well as the people in Cape Town is definitely one of my goals. I am also looking forward to being completely out of my comfort zone and truly putting my resiliency and adaptabilty to the test.

Can't wait to post more while I am there!!

The day is finally here! Time has flown by since I had applied for this opportunity and I know it will go by just as fast in South Africa. The reasons for going on this study abroad trip are endless.First off, I never traveled much when I was younger and I really want to do so in college. I have never been out of the country so why not start in Africa! The course itself

I can't believe today is the day. In only two hours we will all be meeting at the airport! I chose to go on this study abroad seminar because I thought it seems to be the most interesting to me and I have always wanted to go to South Africa. Friends have told me before if you ever get the chance to go you should take it so I did! My expectations before departure is hopefully we can make this plane ride entertaining and I hope to have a wonderful experience that I will remember forever. I am excited to try new food and adventures! I was pleasantly surprised that packing did not take me that long I just hope I remembered everything! I hope this will open my eyes and ideas to new things so I won't be so close-minded. I am hoping to gain a lot of knowledge from this trip that I will be able to use back home even when it is just talking to someone about our on beliefs on a topic. In all I hope it will make me a more well-rounded individual.

Today was the day that I had to pack. I have been planing to back today because I thought it was going to be fast and easy. Little did I know I had to wash all my clothes then select the ones I wanted to pack for the trip. Then I had to go figure out the things that I needed like an electric outlet adapter. On top of that my buddies were trying to hang out before I left on this trip, but I couldn't because I left my packing to do on the last day before the trip. I didn't know it was such a pain to pack things up for an awesome trip. I guess I should of packed little by little. It would of saved me the stress of rushing to find things that i wanted or needed.

There is one thing that I am set on doing throughout my life: travel. I want to see everything and learn as much as possible. Living in my sheltered suburban home, I feel underexposed to the world around me. Don't get me wrong, I have loved everything that has been given to me in my life and I am truly blessed, but I want to see what the rest of the world has to offer. Whether it be a life lesson or just a new song or dance to learn, I want to come back knowing I have changed in some way. I have always wanted to go to Africa and I knew this trip was for me. Although I am not studying Family Social Science, I know this trip will be a great opportunity to learn culture and understand the world better.

I truly cannot believe I am traveling to Africa in two days. When I think about it my stomach turns to knots. It's both a nervous feeling as well as excitement for what is to come. Throughout our journey in South Africa, I want to open myself up for the culture to seep in. I want to see and learn and hopefully change. I don't mean that in the sense that I have done wrong, but I hope to see and take life in a different way.

As for the 20+ hour flight, I am honestly not looking forward to it. I have yet to decide what I will do with myself sitting in a seat for that long of a time period. It also doesn't help that I don't often sleep well on planes. 

All in all, I have a bundle of emotions going forward. I am anxious and excited, but when I get there I hope my worries are pushed aside.

I have my Chacos on and I'm ready to go. Here I come, Africa! Open my eyes!

                                                                                                   

Anna Slick

12/26/12

Hello world! My name is Hannah, and I am a senior studying Family Social Science and Family Violence Prevention here at the University of Minnesota.  I cannot believe that we leave for this wonderful adventure in five short days!  For some reason, it hasn't hit me yet.  I've been so wrapped up in preparing for finals and now for the holidays that this adventure still seems like a far off dream, rather than an approaching reality.  As I'm shivering in my room trying to think warm and pack for 80+ degree weather, it's slowly starting to sink in, and I figured this would be the perfect time to write down what I'm feeling, anticipating, and hoping to get out of all of this. 

In a way, I feel like this abroad experience was meant to happen for me.  As I've shared in our pre-departure meetings, I was originally planning to study abroad in France, over May term in 2011.  Finals were approaching, packing had begun, and the money was down.  And then it was over.  I had been miserably sick with chronic sinus infections and other icky illnesses over the course of spring semester, and antibiotic after antibiotic, things only got worse.  I finally met with an ENT/surgeon who told me that there was no way that I would be fly, let along make it through a three-week abroad experience.  After various tests and scans I found out I needed to have surgery.  I began the appeal process, and never got on the plane to France.  I was devastated.  I decided it wasn't meant to be, and over time, I realized that wasn't the kind of experience I was really looking for.  I began to talk to advisers and other students in my major, and learned about Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change.  Throughout my college experience, I have gained both academic and personal passions for social justice issues and frameworks, and because of that, I couldn't possible think of a better or more appropriate learning abroad opportunity.   

Throughout this experience, I expect to feel anxious, nervous, uncomfortable, lonely, self-conscious, and even ashamed.  I also expect to feel joyous, excited, passionate, compassionate, empowered, and loving, among other positive emotions.  I hope that I feel all of these things, and that I am able to work through all of these emotions and new experiences to learn more about myself through the stories of others. I also know that I can't have too many expectations going in to this adventure.  My main goals for this trip are to step out of my comfort zone, build positive relationships, and to keep an open mind and heart along the way.  Also, if there is ever a time to get over a fear of flying, I guess this is it (EEEEK)! Cape Town, here we come!

Love to you all, and happy holidays!

I cannot believe that in just 9 short days, we will be departing the ever so familiar soil of the United States and heading to South Africa! I don't think I can even put into words all of the thoughts, hopes, and expectations that I have in my head right now. There is so much to be excited for and nervous about at the same time. 

 

First, let me be real......the flight!  This flight is about to take forever!! Frankly, I've never been a huge fan of airplanes. Usually when I travel, I travel alone so I've gotten used to flying 3-4 hour flights by myself....but 18 hours in the air?!? No human should have to stay in the sky that long..lol. BUT at least I'll be with twenty-something other people that are going to the same destination.

 

Besides the flight, I am expecting so many good things to come out of this trip to Cape Town! I have heard stories upon stories from past participants who have all deemed it a life changing experience. I am excited and anxious to learn about the rich history of South Africa and SEE the effects of that history with my own eyes. I anticipate this experience being a powerful and eye opening one. I am ready to try new things, since being out of our comfort zone is no less guaranteed.....new foods, new experiences, and new people. I am expecting moments of joy and moments of heartbreak. Being immersed in a country that I've never had any experience in makes me nervous, but essentially this is something that I want! I hope that the challenges as well as the positive experiences foster personal growth. I am a firm believer that here's ALWAYS more to learn about yourself. I also am excited to build relationships with the people on the trip as well as the people we meet in the city. As I mentioned, my thoughts, hopes, and expectations are endless at this point. I cannot wait! Cape Town, here we come! :)

This semester has been so full of school and work that I honestly can't believe that I'll be leaving for Cape Town in less than three weeks - Ahh! How did time pass by so quickly?! I fully anticipate that this will be an experience of a lifetime that will help me to learn, grow, and form invaluable relationships with others. Also, have you seen pictures of Cape Town? I definitely expect it to be gorgeous!

 

I've been abroad before, to London, England, and that experience was fantastic. I learned a lot about myself in the context of being far from home, being independent, and developing self-confidence. However, as wonderful as London was, I've always had a voice in the back of my mind telling me that my studies abroad couldn't end there. I craved something where I would experience a culture different from my own, where my perception of the world would be challenged and broadened.

 

Social Justice is a topic that I have a lot of interest in, and as a social justice minor, I'm thrilled that I will receive elective credits for this course. However, more than the credit aspects, I am beyond excited for all of the lessons that await me. I've done a lot of reading and discussing about social justice topics, and I have been involved in various aspects of social justice organizations in my community at the University of Minnesota. However, what I'm looking most forward to about this trip is that I will be transplanted out of a University of Minnesota classroom to a world where the issues I like to learn about are reality. I think it will challenge a lot of the beliefs that I currently hold, and I'm anxious and nervous about putting myself under a microscope. However, while I imagine that at different parts of the experience I will get frustrated, sad, and angry, I also anticipate feeling hopeful, rejuvenated, and empowered. So, essentially, I expect a roller coaster of emotions J I'll keep you updated. 

 

For now, I'll continue to count down the days until I'm on that long journey (I'm not so much looking forward to the travel part) to South Africa! Here we go!

Claire Goodrich
12/08/12
Can I be a Change Agent?

Wow!  I cannot believe that I will be in South Africa in a little over two weeks!  This semester has been so busy with lesson plans, exams, and other extra curriculars that I really haven't had the time to sit and realize that I will be traveling to Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA!  

I have always wanted to study abroad as part of the college experience; I finally got around to planning and applying last summer.  However, for some reason, I did not make it into the program that I applied to last summer.  Therefore, as soon as the fall semester began, I made sure to apply early to make it into this program.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to be going on this study abroad experience.  What drew me to this program was the social justice and change agent aspects.  As a future elementary school teacher, it is important to discuss social justice issues in the classroom and think of ways to be change agents in our community and world today.  Therefore, this study abroad experience will immerse me in social justice and empower me to discuss social justice issues with my students. 

I do have expectations for this trip to South Africa.  I expect to feel nervous, excited, empowered, lonely, upset, and joyous.  Besides this mix of emotions, I do expect to be immersed in the South African culture and learn from the locals there.  I also expect to make new friends and learn how to travel in a country outside of the United States. However, instead of focusing on expectations, I want to focus on my hopes for myself throughout this study abroad experience.  I hope to be present throughout the experience and truly apply myself, especially during the service learning portion.  So much of what we remember is based on what we do with our hands.  Therefore, I want to gain tools to be a change agent and and what better way than by participating in a service project.  Also, I hope that I take a look at myself and how I am living in the United States.  Can I be a change agent back in Morris, MN? Can I be a change agent in my future classroom?  I want to embrace the many different perspectives I will be exposed to in South Africa and bring what I learn back to my blessed life and bring about change in the United States.

I am so excited to be traveling to South Africa, and I am ready to push myself out of my comfort zone in order to be a change agent.

There are a lot of reasons I have chosen to go on this trip. One being, a really near and dear friend of mine participated in this experience last year and insisted I take the opportunity to indulge in this once in a lifetime chance. I have always wanted to study abroad but never for an entire semester. I always felt that I would miss too much at the U if I left for an entire semester. When I was looking at all of my options as far as studying abroad, I struggled with finding just one program I liked. I liked a lot of them! Outside of the advice from my friend, I knew I wanted to go to Africa. Even from a young age the African culture had interested me, being it is so different from my own. The second really big thing I insisted on having in any study abroad experience I would consider venturing on was a service learning component. I always thought if I was to go anywhere, I would want to help there in whatever way I could. So from my list of numerous study abroad experiences that I liked, there was only one that I loved and this was the one I loved. This trip had everything I could have ever imagined and then so much more that I never even thought about. It's perfect! 

Hey everyone! My name is Megan and I'm a Junior studying Marketing with a minor in Design. Within my graduation requirements, I have to have some sort of study abroad experience. With that as a requirement that was presented to me right as I entered college, I immediately started weighing my options of where I could possibly go in this huge world we live in. I had an opportunity to volunteer in Africa as a middle school student but I let that pass me by; it just wasn't the right time in my life to take such a huge leap. But because I get the chance to fulfill that opportunity that was once presented to me, I cannot be more excited to see what it has in store for me. Ever since that time in middle school, I have regretted not going to Africa, so I made it one of my life long goals to make the journey.

 

Now that the adventure to Africa has begun, I know my dream is finally about to come true. I do have to admit, I am a bit anxious about the trip simply because I have absolutely no idea what to expect; I have never been this far outside of my comfort zone before. It will indeed be a life changing experience, but to the extent, I am eager to find out. Stay tuned!

 

Throughout this incredible opportunity I am hoping to become a better version of myself. I have never thought too in-depth about the topic of social justice, so this trip will give me the chance to find out knowledge that I have been missing. I would like to take the experiences of the South Africans I encounter back with me to the United States and let them influence the life that I will continue to live. I hope to learn a lot about myself, others on the trip and most importantly about South Africa. So let the journey begin! Africa here we come!

As the day of departure gets closer, my excitement level is starting to get off the charts! I am currently figuring out my financial situation, and it is all working out very nicely. I have also been reading a book my aunt bought me when I found out I got into the program - Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton. It tells the story of a Zulu priest who is searching for a number of lost loved ones who traveled to Johannesburg, but never returned. If anyone has time, I would definitely suggest it! I will bring it with and if anyone wants to read it on the plane let me know!