Best week yet/ possibly ever, and
it didn’t really even include the first half of the week. The clinic oddly was
not that busy this week, so I got to do some homework in between my patients.
But I did get to remove some sutures and staples, do a couple burn dressings on
kids, and learned how to give the oxygen mask to patients.
On Tuesday night, we watched an interesting
video (Mickey Mouse Monopoly) in Marita’s class on the race and sex behind most older Disney movies. It
was very eye-opening, especially the conversation about how they affected some
kids in our class’ lives growing up. I know I hardly talk about the classes,
but I think it’s mostly because I have all these ideas being absorbed in but my
brain moves way too fast to write them all down. But we have watched many films
and had many discussions that have inspired me to think about a minor or
possible double major in human rights. I know it would really make me a better/
more well-rounded person because I heard all of the UConn human rights teachers
are amazing. I’m nervous, excited, and inspired to make this change at UConn.
Now for the weekend. After
internship on Wednesday I got to go running with one of my coworkers and
Kelsey. It was nice how she just invited us along with this big group of South
African runners because we had mentioned once how we liked running. Then
Thursday after class, 23 of us piled into a bus driven by Rashaad, one of our
Orientation Drivers, and headed to Plettenburg Bay for the weekend. Shoutout to
Melissa for organizing the whole trip because it was probably the best weekend
of my life. We drove a lot on Thursday and got to our first hostel in the
middle of no where. It turned out to be a
beautiful resort with double rooms and private bathrooms. Carl and I
shared a house with Allie and Anna which was going to be good practice for when
we EuroTrip together in two weeks! We only really slept there but the complex
was immaculate.
We woke up the next morning and
traveled to Outdshoorn where we went spelunking! Spelunking is another work for
crawling through these huge old caves. The cave had a glow about it that made
the whole thing very worthwhile. After about 90 minutes of adventure
spelunking, we all go on the bus, stopped for lunch, and traveled to Knysna
Elephant Reserve. We got to feed and play with elephants for an hour. Some
people were scared but we all were relatively comfortable with them by the end.
That night we went to a place called Mo’s for dinner. The food was really good
and so was the live music. We stayed out late after dinner and listened to the
music for a few hours. I feel like the guitarist knew we were American because
he was playing Snow Patrol, Tom Petty, and ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. ‘Summer of 69’
came on and I remember the look on everyone’s faces as we thought about the lyrics
‘those were the best days of my life’. I love everyone so much and don’t want
to leave at all.
After a fun night of hanging out
with everyone, I woke up and did one of the best things i've ever done. I went
skydiving! Someone’s alarm went off at 0545 that morning to shower and I was so
uneasy I couldn’t fall back asleep until my alarm went off at 0630. Avery,
Anna, and I got dropped off at the airport a little early and we just waited
anxiously until people who worked there showed up. We were all honestly so
nervous. Anna had decided the night before that she had wanted to do it so she
was extra nervous but I give her credit for doing it. Anna and Avery went up in
the plane together and came down together. They both absolutely loved it and
were screaming about how awesome it was which didn’t make me any less nervous.
I went after them and was shaking I was so scared. We got to 10,000 feet, the
door opened, and the two instructors before me jumped. My turn came and my instructor
was walking me back because I couldn’t do it myself. I put my feet on the wheel
and jumped. I was in such an awe at where I was I think I blacked out for a
second. He pulled the parachute after 33 seconds of going 209 km an hour and
gave me the cords to steer where the parachute was going. It was a beautiful
day so the view was perfect. We reached the ground and I started shaking really
bad because I couldn’t believe I did it. I’m so glad I got to share this
experience with Avery and Anna because they were so supportive and awesome the
entire time.
 |
| Anna & Patrick at Skydiving adventure |
The last thing I want to talk
about was the talk Anna, Avery, and I had after our session. We were talking
about how cool our lives were and how fast time moves. I remember Anna said
‘this very moment as I’m saying this will be a memory soon’. It really hit me
how this whole trip, my entire college experience, my entire career will one
day be a memory, so what is the point of wasting it by not improving yourself?
I did something that day that made me get over a fear and made me a well-rounded
person. Each day here and back home is so important the person I am and will
be. It’s hard because we will not
remember the majority of the days of our lives here or in general. Making each
day count for all its worth may sound corny, but it’s the only power each
individual person really has. That could include giving back, appreciating time
with good friends, doing something you never thought you would do, or just
appreciating each day you’re given. This country, these people, and this
atmosphere have given me such drive to be the best person I can each and every
day.
 |
| Patrick, Avery & Anna in front |
No comments:
Post a Comment