Welcome to Our Blog

Welcome to Our Blog
As anyone who has participated in UConn's Education Abroad in Cape Town will tell you there are no words to adequately explain the depth of the experiences, no narratives to sufficiently describe the hospitality of the people, and no pictures to begin to capture the exquisite scenery. Therefore this blog is only intended to provide an unfolding story of the those co-educators who are traveling together as companions on this amazing journey. As Resident Director of this program since 2008 it is once again my privilege and honor to accompany another group of remarkable UConn students to this place I have come to know and love.
In peace, with hope,
Marita McComiskey, PhD
(marita4peace@gmail.com)

Monday, March 27, 2017

Laura G realizing there are no words to adequately describe her experience here

Our time is rapidly coming to an end here. We’ve been talking about going home and what it will be like. It’s a very strange feeling to simultaneously dread and greatly look forward to going home. On one hand, I want to see my family, friends, and boyfriend. On the other hand, I don’t feel I’ve had enough time here (however, all the time in the world may not be enough here).

I personally feel like I’ve changed. I’ve discovered new passions and reawakened some old ones. I’ve realized that what’s important to me has changed. I’ve made some of the most amazing friends of my life, and consider myself incredibly lucky. I know we have a month and a few days left here, which sounds like a lot. But given how fast the past 2.5 months have gone, I’m sure it’ll feel like a mere few days.

I was talking with Anna recently about what we’ll say when people ask us how Africa was. There are no words to describe this place. The scenery is beautiful. The city is thriving. The people are incredibly kind and open. Nothing I say can ever give this place justice. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently.

In other more positive news, our activist project is finally taking off! Sarah and I had some problems coordinating everything at first, but we’re really happy with what we have now. We’re organizing weekly classes and talk about gender issues among a group of 20 year-olds in Mitchell’s Plain. We’re also helping a woman who we call Tembo to further establish her amazing organization. I’m glad I get to do this because I don’t get to do anything super hands-on at my internship. I know we don’t have much time left, but we will do our best to leave Tembo with something sustainable and successful. We’ve even recruited some of our fellow co-educators to help us out!

Talyor, Sarah, Anna, and Laura
Aside from that, things have been nice and relaxing. On Saturday, some of us spent a few hours at Kirstenbosch exploring the grounds. We even meditated there! It was super relaxing and a great way to spend a beautiful day outside. We’ve been trying to meditate everyday, and I’m surprised by how much it’s had an effect on my mental health. It’s definitely something I want to continue at home!


We leave for Jo-burg on Sunday, and I’m SO excited! I can’t wait to see another part of the country.

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