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When you think of South Africa what is the first thing that comes to mind? Violence? Mandela? Corruption? Slavery? Beauty?
My emotions were overwhelmed when I first came to this country. I am so many thoughts...so many expectations and fears that laid all right before me. Yet I knew that I had to come here not only for the opportunity to do journalism, but for an opportunity to tell the world about how it really is here...
My journey in South Africa has been one of the most pivotal journeys of my life, especially as an African American. Having the opportunity to look my past right in the eye has provided me with a feeling of deep connection, serenity, and reflection.
The viewpoints of life and the world have not only in the spiritual sense, but in learning more about whom I am and the person I strive to be.The person who I was coming into
South Africa was a person who sometimes took life for granted and even the history of my ancestors and powerful historical leaders for granted...
Coming here has given me a rude awakening to how sometimes American media can taint the perspective of a country or a situation through what it presents. From often seeing the most negative images of Africa on the television, I admit that at first I was afraid to come to Africa.
I know that sounds weird, but I can't tell you how much America often makes places, cultures, and people seem worse than what they are. And that's actually why I decided to come any way; I came to see South Africa for myself and to tell the America and the world how beautiful of a place it really is. I wanted to conquer my fear, and I wanted to see Africa for myself and I also wanted to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to do
international journalism. Thankfully through conquering my fear, I have gained an even greater appreciation for dealing with people, embracing people, and learning to embrace the thoughts I have about certain situations.
I really believe that once we conquer our deepest fears, we prove to ourselves and to the world that anything is possible. You prove that through each step and each journey you take, you can become a more understand, more humane, and more knowledgeable person...
When I first came to South Africa, I couldn't believe how beautiful it was and how hospitable everyone was!! Everyone is so nice and welcoming. I remember the first time someone told me welcome home...it made me want to cry.
This experience has been so different than anything that I have ever experienced in the United States, even in the southern states where people are nice. The beauty just wasn't shown through the amazing safari experience we were blessed to have on the inspiring and beautiful
Kwandwe Private Reserve Park or through touring the elephants at
Addo Elephant Park. Instead the beauty was in the lives and the cultures of the people here...
In fact, it is the history of South Africa that has immensely taken over my mind since being here. Every breath I take being here; I move I make being here has made me so in tune with the realities of the past and the realities of the present that I feel I often faced, but fought hard to battle in America, including racism, classism, health, poverty, and more.
Throughout my journey here, I have continued to meet people who I feel have taken me in as a best friend or family member to include me in their cultures; to show me the lifestyles of those in the townships, to introduce to food of their homes; and to teach me about different cultures and historical references that I have only read about. In fact, learning how settlers came here and took a territory for their own at the expense of others' lives...probably my ancestors lives...leaves me feeling numb. I feel so connected to my
identitynow, and like I have found a piece of me that was missing.
As a journalist at this moment of my life and being in this moment in Africa, I have awakened to my destiny of being a voice for the voiceless and the powerless.I truly believe that the reason that God sent me here was to gain a deeper relationship with Him; to reflect on my relationships with others; and to see the journey that He has for me in the near future. I feel more connected to
God and the purpose He has for my life...I hope I can inspire you through my story to be the change you wish to see in the world as Gandhi once stated...
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