Sara W taking time to consider lessons learned

After Jo’burg, we went to Kruger National Park. After all of the heartache that was felt from the historical sites in Jo’burg, this was much needed. We saw so many animals and I went on a total of 3 safari rides; 1 sunrise and 2 sunsets. I saw 3 different types of monkeys, wilda beasts, zebras, lions, cheetahs!!!!, buffalos, impalla, wart hogs, giraffes, owls, eagles, other really neat birds, hippos, antelopes, hyenas, kudos, a crocodile, and baboons. It was awesome not having wifi for this weekend. It was a nice break from reality and it allowed me to think a lot more about things I might not have thought of if I had wifi to use.   

One idea that has become more and more prevalent to me through our time here is how wealth and opportunity go hand in hand. For example, I wouldn't be fortunate enough to be on this study abroad experience if I had grown up in a township in South Africa. Although that sounds obvious, it is truly what shapes our lives and what opportunities are available to us as we grow older. This is also the same as at home and all around the world. It seems that the biggest indicator of success between people who care more about changing the world (ie Berney Sanders) vs people who care more about themselves (Trump... Zumba) is money. People buy there way to the top so they can be superior to others. This is difficult because it is not just these big, famous figures where this is prevalent but I also see it with students at UConn. For instance, the people on this trip who want to change the world and have jobs that make an impact (i.e. at an NGO) will make far less money compared to say a wealthy boy who is in a fraternity, voted for trump and is studying business.

It is for these reasons that the wealth gap grows more and more. Although I am aware of these things I still do not know what to do about it. But I am confident that with all of the people who do care we can work together to figure it out to make the world a better place for everyone to live in. If we look up to people who were poor and still made a huge difference, it can help to motivate us. For example, obviously Nelson Mandela. While we were learning about him I tried to read about his upbringing and see how he was able to make such an impact. Although he wasn’t wealthy, he still influenced the world. These are the people we need to look to in order to stay motivated.