This week has been wonderful so far. I have changed
my internship and I am working with The Safety Lab in Cape Town. I have had
such a great experience this week. Everybody has their own specific field of
study and I am able to work with them and see what they do every day! I even
got to go into the community yesterday. I am loving all of the hands-on experience.
I also think that this organization has great potential for me to grow and to
learn. I've had some really great conversations so far. I also have an interest
in seeing how the prison system in the US is similar/different to the prison
system in SA. I am lucky to have so many insightful people here to answer all
of my questions.
When I went into the township yesterday, I noticed
that the young kids who were coming home from school had backpacks with white
barbie, white princesses, and white superheroes on them. Sarah actually brought
this up to us one night in the pool house. Since she said that, I have noticed
it so much. I wish America and it's film industry didn't have such a large role
in production. It's not fair for young children of color to grow up seeing
beautiful/ strong/ princesses/ superheroes/ men/ women/ etc. as white roles and
characters. Diversity should be spread throughout.
Transportation to my internship this week kind of
made me nervous. I was worried about getting to the station, and from the
station to the office in the city. I notice myself making a lot of
pre-assumptions about people I walk by. It reminds me of class and how we talk
about how we judge others subconsciously. I think it's important to remember
that there are so many nice people around. If you just smile and say hello to
somebody, they will most likely smile back at you. There's a lot of goodness in
humanity if we just search for it.
As for this weekend, I am really excited for our
homestay at Ocean View. I am looking forward to getting to know a family and
their story. I want to talk to more youth in the community as well. I can't
wait! I feel like this trip has been wonderful so far, and each day I meet new
people with new stories and experiences. Cape Town is full of unique
individuals... I love it!
Also if I may add, Marita made me a birthday cake
that was SO GOOD. I had a wonderful day yesterday and am happy that I got to
share it with everyone on this trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment