Maddy cannot believe all she's seen and done

Looking back at my first week in Cape Town I cannot believe how much we have seen and done. Part of me feels as if the time is already going by so fast because of our busy exciting days and another part of me feels like we’ve been here forever because we have already experienced and seen so many things. I am so thankful I chose to do a faculty led program. I’ve already realized that without this program, I would never have imagined doing many of the things we have seen and participated in. Not only did we get to see amazing tourist things such as Cape Point, Boulders Beach, and Chapmans Peak, but the things that we did such as go to a local church, going into the townships, and even going to Vernon’s Mom’s for lunch are such special things that make this experience so personal and I feel like we would not get as much out of Cape Town and wouldn’t understand as much about the history of it if we didn’t come on a faculty led program. Going to visit the internships before starting them made me so excited to start mine. This opportunity is something I would never be able to do at home and I feel as though I will gain so much hands-on experience that I would never get from taking classes at UConn and I am so excited to work with little kids. I am still nervous about taking public transportation but hopefully the exercise tomorrow will make me more comfortable. I also feel as though after a week or so the drivers and passengers will know us and we will get into a routine. I also feel better now knowing that Taylor will be going to the same place and we will hopefully be going together at the same time. I can’t wait to continue exploring this beautiful place and using my free time to hike, go to beaches, and other activities we didn’t get to in orientation. I am also excited to start an activist project in order to not only give back to the community but connect with them on a personal level by working alongside them doing things that we are both passionate about.

 

Sara, Kaitlyn, Claire and Maddy at Sisters' March in Cape Town

The Sisters March we went to in Cape Town was my first protest I’ve attended. I was excited to go to it even though I didn’t know what to expect. I have always known I’m not the protesting type of person because it is just not part of my personality, but when I was there I realized it was much more than people chanting together in a group. Instead I felt like the community come together in solidarity to show that there is support in countries around the world. I realized that it really does help draw awareness to the issues that are in jeopardy when we have Trump as president. I especially noticed after the march that people here not only ask you your opinions about Trump when they find out you are American but they right away apologize about the election and say they are thinking about us and hoping for the best for our country. This just shows that people not only from our country felt the impact of Trumps inauguration yet people from all over are aware of the fears that arise and it amazes me that people from all over are showing their concern and support.