I think the aspect that has shocked me the most is my
internship at Christel House School. It is not what I expected going into this program, and certainly
has not met every expectation. And that is more my fault than anything else,
but still. I am often left in situations that leave me staring blankly into the
eyes of 7 year olds with little place to run. But I think what has shocked me
the most was the conversation I had with some 12-13 year olds on my second day
of class.
I had been left in one of those blank staring
situations, and there were 10 students that began hurling questions at me the
minute I had said I was American. They were so interested in what children in
America thought about children like them in South Africa, and I had to tell the
truth, they probably didn't know South Africa was a country. They looked very
unhappy when I told them that, obviously. But what resonated with me was the
rest of their misconceptions and the media they are fed about the U.S. They
asked me, scared, if Kanye West would become President in 2020. I stifled a
laugh but I knew they were serious. The currency exchange, finding out that I
didn't know Rihanna personally, or even the distance across the U.S. itself
surprised them all. I think the most heartbreaking part was when they asked me,
or more like begged me to sing the National Anthem. They pleaded with me, and I
had to ask them why they wanted to hear it. They said they dream of going to
America and knowing the National Anthem is essential to entering the country
for them. First they sang the South African National Anthem, and then I sang
mine. They clapped for me and hugged me. It was such an out of body experience
that they found so much comfort and awe in a song I don't participate in. I'm
amazed to see what comes next.
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