leaving so soon

I cannot believe that I will be in the U.S. in just a few days. It is scary and sad and exciting all at the same time. Out of everyone, there are only three of us left. I am the next one to leave on Saturday. When all of us were leaving, so many people were crying. I cried a little, but I was more weirded out than I was sad. Cape Town has become my new home, the people I have formed relationships with: I consider family, and close friends.

Being in the College of Music completely separated by everyone else in the program, I have become extremely close to so many South African and other African students. I have said my goodbyes to most of them already, which has been really hard because unlike the other Americans I have met, I can't just pick up and visit them for a weekend. The reality is that even though I am keeping in contact, I won't see many of these people again. I'm sure that will really hit me once I am home.

My friends. My family in Langa. The kids with whom I work. The patients I see. The professors from whom I've learned so much. All these people who have shaped my experience here, and myself as a young adult, I am leaving behind.

It is true what people tell you about studying abroad: "You'll come back a totally different person...it really changes you and the way you see the world." Having so many of my friends travel before me, I sort of blew this off, but it is true, really. Especially studying in a place like South Africa, living in Cape Town, staying in the townships, visiting other regions and traveling to other African countries.....it's unbelievably true. I can only speak for myself and my experience but I have learned a lot about the world, the United States, other cultures, African countries, poverty, bureaucracy, HIV/AIDS, crime, beauty, appreciation for everything I have, etc. I could go on, but I think you get an idea.

Time and time again I've been asked by South Africans, "Why did you come to South Africa? Why didn't you go to Europe?" People are always puzzled and interested by my choice. For me there are so many reasons: wanting some place new, always aspiring to travel Africa, volunteering, adventure, somewhere outside of my comfort zone..a chance to miss the Chicago February.

I think traveling is one of the best things any human can do for him or herself. You get the opportunity to apply what you've learned while also educating yourself. I'd encourage anyone who reads this to travel as much as you can. Explore the parts of the earth outside the western world. Embrace and be respectful of new cultures while appreciating what and who is at home waiting for your arrival.