Taylor expanded her horizons and career goals in life changing ways

I never thought I was an emotional person but seeing everyone leave Cape Town a month ago, made me cry my eyes out. It was so hard to believe that our three and a half months was up. While I was sad to see everyone leave, I was also excited to stay the next week and show my parents Cape Town. My parents definitely had high expectations because of how highly I spoke of my experiences! When I met my parents at the airport after their week in Kruger, I could already see that they loved South Africa! The week absolutely flew by and my parents and I were not ready to leave. I hope that my entire family and I will be back soon.

One of my favorite things I did with my parents was show them Eros School. When I came on this trip, I thought I wanted to be a Speech Language Pathologist but I really was not sure. My experiences at Eros really confirmed that this is the career I want and it even showed me what I want to specialize in! Although we visited Eros quickly, my parents noticed how special this school is and how incredible the staff is! I can go on forever about how much I loved my time at Eros and how much I miss it. However, in short, I am very grateful for the opportunities I had at Eros. While it confirmed and influenced my long-term goals, it also helped me short term! I loved my time with the learners at Eros so much that I wished I could have had more time with them. So, when I got home I researched residential summer camps for children with special needs. I’ve never attended camp and I never saw myself working with kids 24/7, but I am so excited for this opportunity. A lot of the kids at the camp I’m working at are non-verbal and I am so excited to utilize the skills I developed during my time at Eros. I know it will be an amazing summer and this experience will also help me with my future endeavors.

Coming back home has been a bit of an adjustment. One thing I have struggled with is talking and dealing with people who are blatantly racist or ignorant.  One of my first weekends back I visited a friend in New York City. I met one of her new friends who happened to be dating a guy from South Africa. She tried talking to me about a lot of the issues in South Africa, and while it was cool at first, I could see that she had a very particular view (and one that I did not agree with). It is interesting because before these issues would never have crossed my mind! It is crazy that in the three and a half months I learned so much about the world around me and myself. These are lessons I will carry with me the rest of my life and I will continually build upon them. This definitely would not have happened if I stayed in Storrs, CT and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.  

Taylor with her parents sunset cruise in Cape Town

Taylor L celebrating Freedom Day on top of Table Mountain

It is hard to believe that this is my last blog post that I will write from Cape Town. At first three and a half months seemed like a long time, but it definitely is not long enough. I know that without a doubt I will be back: hopefully sooner than later!

Although I am not much of a hiker, I was determined to climb Table Mountain during my time here. With my injury and our busy schedule, I was nervous that I would not have the opportunity to do so! However, on Freedom Day, I embarked on the journey. John and I hiked up Platteklip Gorge because we were told it was the easiest way up. I definitely did not find it easy! I was not only surprised by the steepness, but I was also surprised by the people I watched hiking up and down the mountain. When we were going up we saw people running down the mountain! Apparently there is a race to see how many times an individual can run up and down Table Mountain. I found it slightly crazy but praiseworthy that people put their bodies to this test.

I was also shocked to see what people wore as they hiked. I passed by individuals that were hiking barefoot, in short skirts, in long jeans, etc. If I did not have my hiking shoes, I know that I would have rolled my ankles several times over. If I did not wear a tank top, I would have sweat much more than I was. If I did not wear long leggings, I would have scraped myself climbing up all the rocks.

I began to wonder if people wore what they wore because they chose to or if they could not afford the proper attire. It never occurred to me that people would think to hike if they did not have the proper attire. I guess this goes to show how iconic getting to the top of Table Mountain is; people will do just about anything to get to the top. I admire native Capetonians for this because this is something that I would never have thought of doing.

It was pretty remarkable to hike Table Mountain on Freedom Day. Looking down at Cape Town, I began to picture what April 27, 1994 must have looked like down there. I pictured long lines of people waiting to vote. I pictured individuals leaving with huge smiles because it was his or her first time voting.

While standing on the top of Table Mountain, I not only enjoyed looking out at the city and all the other suburbs, but I also liked looking at Robben Island. It was so remarkable to see Robben Island in the distance. Robben Island was once a symbol of oppression but now it is a symbol of individuals’ quest for freedom. By seeing this, I really could not think of a better way to celebrate South Africa’s Freedom Day. I know that on future April 27^th’s I will look at my photos and try to remember the remarkable scenery I saw below me.

Taylor L becoming increasingly aware of the gendered expectaions placed on children

In Marita’s class we have learned a lot about gendered expectations and how society influences individuals to think, feel, and act in a certain way. While I have heard about this before, I have never talked about it to such an extent. It is pretty interesting that after these discussions I have become so aware of these supposed gender roles. I have become increasingly aware of these  at my internship and I have tried to combat it.

           

One of the learners I work with loves to play with the kitchen set in the Speech Therapy big room. I encourage him to play and pretend cook after our sessions. I never thought that this might not be acceptable in society’s eyes. Therefore, I was taken back when I witnessed one of his classmates get upset after he tried to play with the kitchen set in the classroom. I confronted the girl and told her that anyone could play with the kitchen set and informed her that she could also play with all the toys. While my statement quieted the girl, I am curious where she got this idea. I surely hope the teacher did not say that only the girls could play with the kitchen set. I do not think this teacher would say that but this young child was so adamant that the boy coming to the kitchen was not allowed.

           

Another instance where I noticed gendered behavior was at lunchtime. One of the boys in the classroom did not want to finish his lunch and a male volunteer turned to the boy and said “come on, don’t you want to be a man.” This statement insinuated that society expects young boys to become strong men and that anything but is not acceptable. This got me thinking about how the volunteer would have responded if the learner were a girl. I think the volunteer would have dismissed it and believed that the girl was full.

It is sad that these ideals are passed on to youth when they are so young. I hope that educators and individuals coming in contact with youth eventually read these articles. We have such a profound influence on the youth and we could prevent the next generation from abiding by the imposed gender roles.

Taylor L balances her adventures with some thoughts on her time here

Taylor L, John, and Taylor P playing with the elephants

This past weekend, John, Taylor and I headed on the Garden Route Tour. While we had expressed our interest in doing the tour, we did not think we would be able to because of how busy our last few weeks in South Africa would be. We were nervous about spending one of our last weekends away from our home in Cape Town but I am so happy that we took the chance and left for a few days.

Our weekend was full of adventures. We rode elephants, pet cheetahs, held lemurs, walked with lions, enjoyed the night on Myoli beach, and of course bungee jumped. While I was nervous about bungee jumping because of my shoulder, I was quite surprised that it was very smooth! It was such an adrenaline rush and so much fun that I wanted to do it again! However after bungee jumping I began to wonder if the majority of people whom bungee jump are tourists or if they are South Africans. This reminded me of how so many South Africans look at Table Mountain everyday, but have not been to the top of it.

Taylor L jumping off the highest bridge

 We were lucky to share the tour with two individuals from London, two individuals from Germany, one individual from Saudi Arabia and of course our awesome guide from Cape Town! Additionally, at the backpackers we talked to people from all over. It is pretty remarkable that everyone we meet seems to fall in love with Cape Town, despite the amount of time he or she may spend here. I am so grateful for my opportunity to study and intern here. 

When we were at one of the backpackers we experienced load shedding. It was pretty awesome to be surrounded by such amazing people, at night by a fire, and have to talk to one another. If there was electricity, we may not have had the same experience. Everyone may have been in their rooms and updating their friends and family on their awesome experiences on the garden route.

While on this garden route tour, I was once again quite surprised with how much information I have learned about South Africa. Before applying for this program, I knew nothing about South Africa. While there is still so much depth to South Africa’s history, I definitely have learned so much by immersing myself in the culture. Additionally, at my internship, one of the other Speech students asked me how I have responded to the social issues in South Africa. If this had happened in my first few weeks here, I would have responded to her with a blank face. However, now I feel comfortable sharing my knowledge and my experiences to answer such a question!

While it was nice to get away, I was once again thrilled to be back home. On the way back from the game reserve, we drove by Eros and I was thrilled that I would be going into work in less than twelve hours. At that moment, I realized that I only have a few more days to drive by Eros. I really cannot fathom not being greeted by the amazing students and staff there

Taylor L discovering living history

We just returned from our weeklong excursion to Johannesburg and Kruger Park. It was absolutely amazing to see a new part of South Africa! While it was great to see another area, I still love Cape Town. I am so happy that we are fortunate enough to study and intern here. 

My favorite part about going to Johannesburg was visiting the museums. I usually don't like spending time in museums but I found the museums so fascinating. I really could have stayed there all day! A lot of the information shared at the Apartheid Museum in my non-fiction book, In A Different Time by Peter Harris. My book was about the Delmas Treason trial where some members of the MK Unit were accused of committing political assassinations and other criminal acts. It was pretty cool to walk around the museum and say, "I know that!" I also learned a lot more about the organizations talked about in the book, like the ANC and MK unit. I thought it was interesting that the MK unit wanted to change from peaceful protest to violent protest. However, the members did not want any deaths. I find it hard to believe that the members would have expected to use violence to instill power and fear, and not experience any deaths. 

I also was surprised to learn that Nelson Mandela was appointed as the head of this unit when it was first created in 1961. While he was in jail by the time the trial in my book occurred, I am curious if he would have been proud or disappointed in some of these members’ actions. While the violence from the MK units may have lead to F.W. De Klerk's negotiations to end apartheid and unban the ANC and other units, it still is disappointing that so many people's lives were negatively impacted and perhaps cut short. 

When I found out that a guy at the Hector Pieterson Museum was a Delmas Trialist, I was so excited. I thought it was ironic that the guy works in Sharpeville since I learned in my book that the Sharpeville Massacre influenced the creation of the MK unit and the use of violence. It was disappointing that he had the day off, but I was still excited to go and visit the place where everything changed. 

After visiting, I became curious as to what happened to many of these individuals after they were released from trial and jail. When we went to Robben Island I was surprised that the tour guides were former prisoners and many took those job because they struggled to find jobs elsewhere. I wonder if some of the tour guides were former Delmas trialists. I am excited to visit Robben Island when my parents come because I now know a lot more of South Africa's history. I also hope I get the chance to talk to the tour guides more about their experiences.  

Taylor L learns some things are just not funny

The other night I went to Cape Town comedy club. We saw this venue a few weeks ago when we were exploring the Waterfront and I knew I wanted to check it out. The rest of the group went to see Titanic at the outdoor cinema, so just Taylor and I went.

I have never seen live comedy so I didn’t know what to expect. It was a small venue but I enjoyed it because we were able to get food and watch the comedians walk in! There was a headliner, a supporting act, and then an open mic comedian. I was excited that the comedians were all female. However my excitement turned to disgust when one of the white female comedians utilized racist stereotypes in her skit. Not only was I super uncomfortable, but the audience seemed to be as well. The venue was pretty silent. In class we have talked about how some people use comedy to discuss the racism that they endure, but I had never heard of someone using it so much to make fun of other people. Although I am sure it happens, maybe now because of my education and experiences in Cape Town, I am a little more tuned into it.

One thing that surprised me about this comedian was her statement about apartheid. She was only about 11 when apartheid ended, so she did not really understand the extent of what happened. She realized that there was a switch in government because the flag switched. She said she was happy that apartheid ended, not because of the violation of human rights, but because the flag was a lot easier to draw. I wish this comedian had known her audience kind of like Eminem knows his audience and shies away from using certain words. There are so many other things that this comedian could have included in her skit, and its saddening that she turned to racial stereotyping to try and make people laugh.

Taylor P's week of many lessons

Last week I finally got scuba certified! During one of the qualification dives I sat down and had a really interesting talk with one of the scuba instructors. She told me about how in high school she thought physiotherapy was 100% what she wanted to do with her life. She applied to UWC and got accepted as a regular student so she tried for nursing and was accepted! Although it was her backup plan she thought it was still a good choice for her. However, a few days after hearing about her acceptance, she was contacted again and told that she was no longer accepted because the nursing programs student dynamics had to match the outside of the surrounding area. Basically she took it as not being accepted because she was white and there were probably already too many white students accepted. I understand her logic and the way they told her was unprofessional. However, if being rejected from something that was her second choice led her to find her passion, I count it as a win. She quickly dropped out and eventually discovered her passion for scuba diving. She told me how much she loves diving and is currently training to further advance and become a dive master. It’s really amazing to hear about how she wakes up and just knows her day will be filled with what she loves. Her story is really inspiring to me because recently I have been struggling with what I want to do after I graduate and the instructor and other people I have encountered are showing me that passion trumps any sum of money that could be made. I should focus on doing something that I love and that makes me happy rather than something that will possibly lead to a high-paying but miserable future.

On Thursday Taylor and I went to a comedy show at the Waterfront. We figured going in that a few of the jokes would go over our head because we aren’t locals but the show wasn’t exactly what we expected. The first comedian was a 31-year-old white local Capetonian. Her entire set was based on racist comments that couldn’t even be considered jokes because they weren’t funny in the slightest. We weren’t the only ones that felt this way because you could tell by the audience’s reaction that they were rather uncomfortable. I do realize that comedians frequently use race as a source of jokes but she just took it too far. The audience was mixed races and when I looked around no one really knew how to react, there were only a few chuckles here and there. It got me thinking about being a bystander in racist situations, which I definitely was in this case. Now I probably couldn’t have exactly told her to stop but I could have gotten up and left but I was really just too shocked and wasn’t sure what to do. It really shows that not everyone finds racist jokes funny, even in a comedic setting. In some ways it gives me hope that South Africa is moving slowly but surely away from its racist past. 

Taylor's favorite things

These past couple weeks have been great! I am making progress from my surgery and I am going to places less and less in my sling! However I like wearing my sling because it serves as a physical reminder that I should not be picking up heavy things. I have definitely done that a few times!

One of my favorite things we did was attend the Holi One Color Festival. We weren't able to buy tickets online, so we showed up early to try and buy them. We showed up about 45 minutes before it was supposed to start and no one was there! So we killed time by going to Charlie's Bakery and the New York Bagel Shop across the street. It was delicious! We got back about 10 minutes before the show was supposed to start and we got in line with everyone else. We waited in line for an hour and a half while they finished setting up the show. I guess there really is such a thing called Africa time. Although it was frustrating to wait in the heat for so long, it was so worth it. It was so much fun dancing to the music and throwing colored powder at everyone.

My other favorite thing from these past few weeks was the Michael Buble concert. I love concerts and I was so excited to attend a concert at the Grand Arena. The venue doesn't look that big from the outside, but we had to climb nearly 6 flights of stairs to get to our seats! It was huge! While we could have seen Michael Buble in the States, it was pretty cool to see an artist abroad.

 I think it is so fascinating that so many South Africans follow the same music that is big in the states. I did not know any South African bands prior to coming here, but I have since grown to like many. I am excited to listen to more South African music next weekend at the Flamjangled Tea Party Music Festival. I think it'll be a highlight of our trip and I cannot wait to experience it!